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HISTORY 



OF THE 



TOWN OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 




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HISTORY 



of the 



Town of Lyiinfield, Mass. 




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' Historic names forever greet us 

Where'er our wandering way may lead, 
Familiar forms and faces meet us 
As living walk with us the dead. 

Man's fame, so often evanescent, 
Links here with thoughts that last: 

And all the bright and teeming present 
Thrills with the great and glorious past.' 




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Published and Illustrated bv 
THE BLANCHARD & WATTS ENGRAVING CO. 

36 Columbus Avenue, Boston, Mass. 



Woj- 



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By transfei 

OCT 25 191:) 




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PREFACE. 



We love to trace the mossy stones 

That tell of those of other days, 
The friends that kindred owns. 

So worthy of our highest praise; 
To read the rolls of parchment old, 

Their ancient seal and sign, 
Sometimes trembling, sometimes bold, 

Penned in " days of auld lang syne." 

To see how willing they were 

To work for others after, 
No hope of gain could them deter. 

No sneer or scornful laughter; 
But patriots, heroes, sages, 

And some did all combine, 
They toiled for future ages, 

In the " days of auld lang syne." 

We love to see the humble, mossy roof 

That sheltered them and was their home. 
Where peace not always plenty proof, 

They worked for days and years to come ■ 
The homes for which they fought and died, 

The home of corn and fruit and wine, 
The home they left beyond the tide. 

In the " days of auld lang syne." 



Should any ask why this book is written, the writer would 
answer that he has always since he can remember loved to collect 
facts of this kind, and finding many others would like those facts, 
with a desire to gratify friends, as well as save these from oblivion, 
they are now published. 

If my reader wishes a literary production I beg of him to drop 
the book, but if he wishes to see who have walked these streets. 



VI PREFACE. 

who have played within these limits, who have been benefactors 
of their race, who have worshipped God in these temples, who 
have received instructions in these schools, who have roamed 
these fields, who have been nurtured, married, enjoyed the joys 
and sorrows of life within these homes, who have gone afar off, 
have died or are still living, I wish him pleasure in perusing these 
pages. 

One who has never undertaken the task can have no just idea 
of the labor needed. One often has to hunt pages to find perhaps 
a single date, or go miles for an item, but looking back to other 
days is a great pleasure, and I confess to have enjoyed it much. 

It is believed that every village should have its noteworthy events 
chronicled as well as its neighboring city. It is really a source of 
satisfaction to collect the memorials of the worth, patriotism, and 
zeal of those who have lived before us. It is a satisfaction to know 
where they whose blood flows in our veins , whose lands we inherit, 
they who "sowed in tears" while " we reap in joy,'' were origi- 
nated, to know their toils, their pleasures, to help to keep their 
memory green. 

The wisest of men said, "Of making books there is no end," 
but we know of no kind of books more instructive than histories, 
wherein are written the virtues and failings of mortals, and we 
sincerely hope the time is not far distant when the histories of all 
our towns shall be written ere it is too late. 

In the writing of this book I have tried every available source 
to collect interesting items for this work ere they shall be irrevoca- 
bly lost. Among others, the Town Records have had a thorough 
scanning, as have all the church and parish, school and family 
registers, library, public and private records, all have been com- 
pelled to contribute to the general fund ; and lastly, but not 
leastly, the good fathers and mothers of the town, some now 
passed away, have been asked questions till I dared do so no 
longer. These have told the stories of their childhood, youth, and 
age : and to all others who have contributed a mite or a pound are 
extended the most hearty thanks. 

Nor sliould the history of Lynn, by Alonzo Lewis and James R. 
New hall, and that of Reading, by Lilly Eaton, be forgotten, for 



PREFACE. Vll 

they have furnished many an interesting sketch for this work. 
And especial thanks are due to those who in so many ways helped 
to make this little book what it is. 

Who does not love his home, and who does not love to read 
the facts thereof, even though he knew them before, which is 
not always the case ? Many an one will go to a noted spring far 
away, when there is one but a little way from his own home. 
S5me will visit other lands, and know not what is near their own 
door. A thousand memories rise at the sound of the sweet word 
" home." 

It is hoped that this memorial will not be the means of lessening 
an interest in our Lynnfield homes, but, on the contrary, that it 
will increase our love and veneration for this interesting part of 
New England. 

The thanks of the writer are especially due to Dea. George E. 
Batchelder, Rev. H. L. Brickett, Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer Parsons, 
Mr. George H. S. Driver, and many others, whose help and en- 
couragement have helped to lift the burden and make the labor light. 
Nor would I omit to mention the young lady who said she would 
have the history, if it cost five hundred dollars. Hoping that 
others may enjoy the reading as much as I have enjoyed the 
collecting of these facts, I now present to you the first completed 
history of Lynnfield in old Essex. 

THOMAS B. WELLMAN. 

Willow Castle, Lynnfield Centre, 
Jan. I, 1895. 




CONTENTS. 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

INTRODUCTION 

CHAPTER I. 
Topography of Lvxxfield . 

CHAPTER II. 
Ancient Houses of Lynnfield 



CHAPTER III. 
Old Meeting-House — Town Hall — Schools 



23 



CHAPTER IV 



Annals, i 635-1 700 



47 



CHAPTER V, 



Annals, i 700-1 800 . 



61 



X CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VI. 
Cemeteries .... 



79 



CHAPTER VH. 
The Revolutionary War . . . . 103 

CHAPTER VI IL 
Ecclesiastical History . . . , 118 

CHAPTER IX. 
Date of Town, Etc. . . . . 138 

CHAPTER X. 
The Second War with Great Britain . . 153 

CHAPTER XI. 
War of Rebellion, 1861 . . . . 171 

CHAPTER XII. 

F.AMILIES OF LynNFIELD . . . . 187 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Annals, 1800 ...... 239 

APPENDIX ...... 261 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Thomas B. Wellman 




Frontispiece 


Oldest House in Town 


0pp. page 4 


Mrs. Clarissa E. Cox 


. 


8 


Map Lynnfield 


. 


10 


Willow Castle 


0pp. > 


12 


Ebenezer Parsons 


' 


' 


16 


Ramsdell House 


' 


' 


20 


Judge Stephen G. Nash 




' 


24 


Barnjum House 


. 


• 


' 30 


South Schoolhouse . 


'• 


* 36 


Schoolhouse in 1772 




' -il 


Town Hall . 


0pp. ' 


40 


Centre Schoolhouse . 




' 


' 44 


Jonathan Bryant 






' 48 


Humphrey's Pond 






' 52 


Mansfield House, Peabody 






' 56 


Old Meeting-House on the C 


ommon, 171 5 ■ 




' 62 


George E. Batchelder 






' 66 


Henry Law's Shoe Factory 






' 74 


Tapley Tomb, 1820 . 






• 80 


David Hewes 






' 84 


Centre Orthodox Church 






' 88 


Rev. Jacob Hood 






' 92 


Hooper Estate 






' 98 


James Hewes 






104 


Wilkes Farm 






' 108 



Xll ILLUSTRATIONS. 






Cabinet of 1679 and " Governor's" Chair 


Opp. page r 12 


Rev. Harry L. Brickett 




' 116 


South Church 




122 


Henry Bancroft, 2d . 




• 128 


Common, Lynnfield Centre (Looking West) 




' 136 


Centre Station 




' 140 


Old Shoe Shop 




' 144 


Gen. Josiah Newhall 


0pp. • 


• 150 


Townsend House 




' 156 


Ex-Judge Stephen Gilman . 




' 162 


Joseph Gowing's Tavern, 1775 




' 168 


Capt. John Perkins . 




' 174 


Bryant House, 1809 




' 180 


William R. Roundy . 




' 188 


Communion Set, 1737 




' 194 


The Old Parsons House 




' 200 


John M. Danforth, Esq. 




' 208 


Town Hall Interior . 




' 212 


George E. Herrick 




' 216 


Pilling's Pond 




' 220 


George H. S. Driver 




' 226 


Bancroft's Store and Dwellings 




' 232 


Hon. N. M. Hawkes 




' 236 


Lynnfield Station 




' 244 


Clarence H. Moulton's Shoe Factory 




' 250 


Elbridge F. Gerry's Cider Mill 




' 256 



INTRODUCTION 




Lynnfield finds herself in an excellent situation as regards 
neighbors. On the north is North Reading, a town about her 
size. It stands like a city set on a hill that cannot be hid. 
In its churches many of the inhabitants of Lynnfield have 
worshipped, and years ago a part of the territory was set off 
from Lynnfield to North Reading in a wonderful manner. 
Many " an exchange which was no robbery " has been made in 
the sons and daughters of the two places. North Reading con- 
tains a nice hall, public library, stores, etc., the gift of Mrs. 
Harriet N. Flint. The town is noted for the longevity 
of its inhabitants, and not many years ago one of its citizens 
passed away who was born in Lynnfield, aged more than a 
hundred years, and many others have almost attained to a 
century. 

On the eastern border is Peabody, known in our generation 
as Danvers, South Danvers, and Peabody, the last in honor of 
one of its sons, the London banker, who now sleeps within its 
Hmits. One grave in its limits has attracted strangers from all 
parts of the country, till they have confiscated and carried off 
in chips, as mementos, the entire head and part of the foot- 
stone. 

In Peabody is the munificent donation of George Peabody, 
the Peabody Institute, which has made the citizens of more 
than one town wish that they could go and do likewise. 
Peabody is a wealthy town, and is a great place for tanning 



XIV INTRODUCTION. 

hides for leather. Close beside is the old patriotic town of 
Danvers, the Salem village of 1692. Still nearer is Middleton, 
with its Wills Hill, its elegant Flint Public Library, its beautiful 
pond, which supplies water for Danvers. The Ipswich River 
carries the Oakdale paper mills. Near them the quartet of 
towns joins together. 

South of Lynnfield is the city of Lynn, the old mother town, 
noted over all the world for its manufacture of boots and 
shoes ; a city that combines town and country, hill and dale, 
river, pond, and seashore in picturesque beauty, beside being 
the parent town of Lynnfield, from which most of her first 
settlers came. It is also that of the two fashionable resorts of 
Swampscott and Nahant, while on its western side is still an- 
other daughter, with the ancient Indian name of Saugus, noted 
for its fine highways, elegant town hall, its soldiers' monu- 
ment, a legacy of Henry Hone of that place, its go-ahead en- 
terprise, high rocks, and many other things too numerous to 
mention, as well as the river for which it is named, and 
which runs through Lynnfield before it reaches the town of 
Saugus. 

On the western border are the two towns of Reading and 
Wakefield, and they are situated but three miles away, and 
the spires of both can be plainly seen. The town of Wake- 
field is nearly as well known to the denizens of Lynnfield as 
its own territory, and the two have been intimately connected 
for two hundred and fifty years. 

Wakefield boasts of her beautiful situation, of nice public 
and private buildings, of superb ponds, and general enterprise, 
while Reading is noted for good morals, intelligence, ponder- 
ous families, musical taste, patriotic and well-to-do citizens. 
All combine to form a wreath of towns of which any town 
might be proud to be the centre, and which it is hoped may 
prosper tenfold more in the future than in the past. And then 
it is to be remembered, just outside of this circle lies still 



INTRODUCTION. XV 

another, till you reach greater Boston of the future. Distances 
are as follows : — 

From old meeting-house, Lynnfield Centre, to State House, 
Boston, bearing southwest, distance 12 miles, iSo rods. 

From old meeting-house, Lynnfield Centre, to South Church, 
Salem, is 7 miles, 23.06 rods, bearing southeast. 

From the old meeting-house, Lynnfield Centre, to the 
church in Mattapoisett, Rochester, Mass., 61 miles, 22.06 
rods, bearing southeast. 

From Lynnfield Hotel to Lynn, 4 miles, 7 rods, 13 feet. 







HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 



CHAPTER I. 
Topography of Lynnfleld. 

The town of Lynnfield is situated in the western part of 
Essex County, bounded north by North Reading; east by 
Peabody and a small part of Middleton ; south by Lynn, 
Saugus, and Wakefield ; and west by Wakefield and Reading. 
It is twelve and one half miles from Boston, eight from Salem? 
and the same from Lynn. Its extreme length from north- 
east to southwest is six miles ; from north to south about four 
and three fourths miles. The widest portion is two and three 
fourths miles, and the narrowest one and one half miles. 

To compare its shape to anything known would be a hard 
matter, as it has a very irregular outline, and reminds one of 
the " all-long-and-no-wide " system. 

The soil is varied, some of it being very good, while part 
of it is rather hard to cultivate, being genuine New England 
earth, although it does not plead guilty to a very strong char- 
acter, and is somewhat sandy in many places. By the indus- 
try of its owners it is made to produce those products which 
are raised in this part of the world, so that little of it is waste 
land, being either fit for the cultivation of vegetables, grass, 
etc., or pasturage of cattle, while many of its hills, valleys, 
and swamps are covered with thick woods, which not only 
add beauty to the landscape, and health to the inhabitants, 



2 HISTORY OF THE TO\VN 

as well as variety, but are a source of profit, and help supply 
one of the staples of life. 

Among the trees are the following : white, yellow, and 
pitch pine, white, red, yellow, and rock maple, larch, hem- 
lock, spruce, white, yellow, and black birch, ash, elm, alder, 
black, red, and yellow oak, walnut or hickory, butternut, chest- 
nut, cherry, sassafras, cedar, poplar, willow, and others. 

A large number of medicinal plants abound, as horehound, 
blue flag, skunk cabbage, partridge-bush, plantain, hound's- 
tongue, comfrey, hazel, chickweed, apple of Peru, bittersweet, 
cow parsnip, water cress, sarsaparilla, rosemary, Solomon's 
seal, adder's-tongue, sassafras, arsesmart, garget, celendine, cat- 
nip, dockroot, fever bush, burdock, rheumatism weed, mouse- 
ear, bloodroot, pond lily, head betony, horse, spear, and 
water mint, pennyroyal, ground ivy, nettle, marjoram, mother- 
wort, cranesbill, mallow, tansy, wormwood, life everlasting, 
coltsfoot, golden-rod, elecampane, mayweed, lobelia, pokeroot, 
thoroughwort, lungwort, valerian, sweet fern, and whiteweed. 

Beside these are berry fruit, such as black, red, and choke 
cherry, hazelnut, black currant, gooseberry, blue and whortle 
berry, partridge berry, barberry, mulberry, grape, raspberry, 
blackberry, brambleberry, cranberry, and strawberry, as well 
as the artichoke, groundnut, wild pea, wild oat, and hop, 
the sumach, bayberry, and hemp. 

For poisons may be found the thorn apple, nightshade, 
and ivy, while in field, forest, meadow, and the streams are 
myriads of wild flowers. Prominent among these are the 
beautiful mountain laurel, honeysuckle, wild rose, daisy, 
golden-rod, and numerous others. 

The township is exceedingly well watered. Its rivers are 
the Ipswich and Saugus, both named for the towns into which 
they flow. The former js the northern boundary of the 
town, while the latter is a part of the southern and western line, 
and is noted for its serpentine course. It rises in Lake 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 3 

Quanapowitt ; Reedy Meadow lies on both sides of it, is of 
gigantic proportions, and serves many uses, being covered 
with grass ; cranberries are grown upon it. It is flooded a 
part of the year, and makes a nice skating pond of miles in 
length. The lots are divided by ditches, which used to furnish 
" bog " to the inhabitants of this and neighboring towns ere the 
advent of coal, not many years ago. 

The name of the meadow is derived from the large quantity 
of reeds with their elegant plumes growing upon it, one part, 
called " Dark Swamp," being literally covered. In Middleton, 
near the Lynnfield Hne on the Ipswich River, are the well- 
known Oakdale paper mills. 

Wills Brook takes its rise from a spring which is a natural 
curiosity, the water boiling up at an incredible rate, and it is 
thought there is enough to furnish the town. It once carried 
a small manufactory ; traces of the dam and where the pond 
used to be can still be seen. The brook empties into Wills 
Meadows, — the name is of Indian origin. 

Another stream rises in the meadow at the base of Pine 
Hill. After flowing a short distance it assumes the cognomen 
of " the Slough," — which title it has borne for more than a cen- 
tury, — passing through a series of meadows, uniting with Beaver 
Dam Brook, where used to be a dam for beavers, and which 
unites with Saugus River in Reedy Meadow. This brook is 
much prized as a watering place for horses at the present 
time, and at the first settlement of the town was a boundary 
locality often mentioned. 

There are a number of other brooks ; two are of no mean 
capacity. Hawkes Brook is a lengthy one, and carries a saw- 
mill. It also helps to furnish the water for the City of Lynn. 
Bates Brook is named for a citizen of long ago, as is also an 
excellent spring but a short distance from Gerry's mill. Be- 
sides are Frog Pond Brook, Otter Hole Brook, and Winding 
Brook, to which we may have occasion to refer in these pages. 



4 HISTORY OF THE TOWTST 

Upon the banks of these brooks, at least some of them, are 
meadow intervales, from which, in years gone by, were cut 
hundreds and thousands of cords of peat for fuel in this town 
and for the market, although this branch of business has nearly 
died out, which used to come as regular as haying time. 

Filling's or Gerry's Pond is about a mile south of the 
Centre, on the road leading to the hotel ; a part of it is made 
by the flowing of spring meadows. It is as picturesque as can 
be, and of late years is very much visited, sometimes by several 
hundred in a day, so that it is ofttimes necessary to have a 
policeman with the others. Large quantities of fish are taken 
from its waters, and people camp every year upon its borders. 

It is a'so appreciated in summer for sailing, and in winter 
for skating. In 1861, the water during one of the spring 
rains made an excavation in the lower dam and came near 
carrying off the mill, actually flooding the lower part, besides 
removing large rocks a considerable distance, and washing 
earth, tools, and stones into the stream — incurring a large bill 
for repairs. 

Humphrey's Pond, or Suntaug Lake, is one of the most 
beautiful sheets of water in existence, — a perfect picture for an 
artist to copy. A traveller from Europe once remarked that 
he " never saw anything that surpassed it." The bottom of it 
is gravelly, and the water clear and pure. Its former name is 
that of its first owner, and dates back to 1635 (see "Annals," 
page 49), while the latter reminds us of the natives still 
farther back. There is a wonderful echo to the lake, which 
adds to the charms of a visit to its beauties. It also has, instead 
of gloomy borders, those which slope gradually and are invit- 
ing to the tread. 

Excursions and picnics are often made and the day spent 
at this sylvan retreat. Nearly forty years ago a Sunday-school 
party from Lynn were passing over the lake in a boat when it 
upset and thirteen of them were drowned. Three persons 




wit 



X" 




OLDEST HOUSE IN TOWN. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 5 

also committed suicide in its depths, so that the lake has a 
sombre as well as a beautiful side. 

Several beautiful summer residences are built on its borders ; 
prominent are those of David P. Ives, Henry Saltonstall, and 
P'rancis Appleton. Within the lake is Humphrey's Island, 
wooded and green, and a gem of its kind. The boundary 
between Peabody and Lynnfield passes through it, although 
the largest part of the pond is in the latter place. We shall 
refer to this body of water in other parts of this work. 

At the north part of the town is Goose Pond, once a 
famous locality for wild ducks and geese. No one in passing 
on the street would guess that near by was this pond. It is 
supposed from observation that a mill was once located there 
and was gone before the oldest inhabitant could remember. 

Near the southeast corner of the town is Nell's Pond, 
thought to be a specimen of perfection, and more than one 
unsuccessful attempt has been made to sound its depths. 
Marvellous stories are told of this pond It is on the line of 
the lakes of Lynn. 

Although there are no mountains in the township, it is ad- 
mirably diversified by hills, and we will notice the most prom- 
inent. 

Pine Hill is in the eastern part and extends into Peabody, 
covering about a square mile. It is crowned with all sorts of 
trees, is a capital outlook of the country beyond, and is 
owned by many individuals. Cart paths cross it in all direc- 
tions, and the main road used to pass over it. Nearly around 
it at its base are springs of excellent water, for example, the 
watering place on the road known as the Pine Hill Spring, where 
generations of people and horses have drank its cool water. 
Upon the pathway of the hill more than one unfortunate pedes- 
trian has been lost. One day a small party were picking berries 
when they were startled by the following exclamations from 
an old lady in stentorian tones : " I'm lost ! I'm lost ! ! I'm 



6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

lost on the mifldle of Pine Hill ! What a fool I was to get 
lost on the middle of Pine Hill ! Ba-ha ! " She was soon 
escorted home, to her great joy. Several places on the hill are 
designated by the names of " Pigeon Stand," "Desert Rock," 
" Old Horse Burying Ground," eic. In former times it used 
to be a mammoth place for berries. Twice within a score of 
years terrible fires have occurred upon it. A camp of a few 
contrabands located upon the brow attracted considerable 
attention, in the year 1864, with their banjo and primitive 
looking cottage, surnamed "Tiptop House," which one day 
took fire and came near burning to death one of the inmates. 

Powder Hill is in the west part of the town, and is quite 
rocky, with fantastic shape. The hill derives its name from 
the fact that for many years the powder house stood upon it 
till it was burned. A short distance from the summit is a grove 
of beech-trees, — a remarkable thing for these parts, — where 
used to be a favorite resort for picnics. Many young people 
have carved their names upon them, and most of them are 
young no longer. Rock Rimmon is a short distance above 
Powder Hill, and presents a shaggy appearance. It com- 
mands a beautiful view of the town, and is surmounted by two 
spiral poplars, that stand like sentinels guarding the country 
around. A liberty pole used to be riveted to the rock, which 
could be seen for miles away. 

Huckleberry Hill is passed over by the road leading from 
the Centre to the south villages. It used to abound with 
rattlesnakes. These woods were cut about a century ago by 
a father for the purpose of sending his son to college. 

Tophet Hill, where it descends to the swamp of the same 
name (not classic), is the most steep, for riding, in town. 
Lynnfield Centre shows to advantage during the descent. 

Bow Ridge is at the southern extremity of Lynnfield near 
Nell's Pond, in a retired and rural region, being some way from 
the road, not far from the Lynn line, and is worth visiting. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 7 

In Tophet Hill is the copper mine which was not considered 
valuable to work. 

Not far from the Centre depot may be found the serpentine 
marble mine, itself a rare one. The shaft and excavation being 
at Forest Hill, although the serpentine is by no means con- 
fined to it, but crops out at quite a distance on neighboring 
hills and in wells around. 

An extract of a letter written at the time of its discovery 
may not be out of place here, bearing date Lynnfield, Aug. 26, 
1836 : " I wish to inform you of the great excitement there is 
in this place about a very valuable mine called ' black marble,' 
found in Samuel and Jesse Skinner's hills. A corporation has 
been formed, and they will purchase four acres for one hun- 
dred and thirty-three dollars, the same that was paid but ten 
for. They have bought the hills the King lot, and have the 
refusal of several farms in this vicinity for the stone, or ac- 
commodation of the workmen." 

One who examined it soon after said, " Its quantity is inex- 
haustible and its quality unquestionable." Dr. Charles Jack- 
son, a very high authority, said also : " It is a kind of marble 
highly prized in Europe, being extensively used for mosaic 
work, inlaying tables and other rich furniture. There is noth- 
ing else of the kind, no stone, so beautiful in Massachusetts." 
Such, too, is the opinion of Dr. Hitchcock, who said there is 
no such thing as exhausting it. Another who has visited it 
more recently writes : " This is of the variety called verd- 
antique, being of various shades from the darkest olive to 
grass-green color. It forms a large bed, running northeast by 
north and southeast by south, and dips to the northwest about 
forty-five degrees." 

A manufactory was built, but it was found very expensive to 
work the material, and the work was abandoned. Two or 
three years ago the work was resumed, and has again come to 
a standstill, but will doubtless start again in the future. The 



8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

derrick is over a large excavation filled with water, and the 
quarry is often visited for specimens, which may be found in 
many parts of the world, being made into the shape of books, 
tables, fonts, and worked into church buildings in various ways. 

On the south side of the Common is a small bridge for the 
purpose of carrying off water. The edgestone is of serpen- 
tine polished by the scholars in years ago by spitting upon it 
and polishing with another of the same. 

The south part of the town contains granite, specimens of 
which may be seen in the guideposts of the town as well as in 
many other places. This granite is said to be equal to the 
celebrated Quincy granite, has a good color and is easily 
worked. 

Robin Rock is the most noted for mention of granite, in 
town at least, that is worked, and the view from its top is su- 
perb, being backed with woods, with here and there a building, 
and the sight of the blue ocean in front, while in the distance 
at the side is seen Bunker Hill Monument ; a large bowlder is 
poised on the top, and the whole will repay a visit many times. 
An effort is being made to preserve the rock ere it be too late. 
A large rock used to stand or lie close to the south road 
known as the Briton Rock, but years ago was obliged to 
remove to a more excellent situation after being somewhat 
bruised. It is said that it was named for a pedler who used 
always as he passed to rest himself by it. 

An old road used to cross the woods at the eastern part of 
the town from Peabody to North Reading. Near this road 
was a ledge, and in it a fissure known as Harris Gap, from the 
fact that a man of that name in passing yielded up his life 
and was found there. 

Lynnfield abounds with samples of stone, should any one 
wish them. It is said that his Satanic Majesty holds posses- 
sion of a portion of every town in the shape of a rock or some 
stream. Here he had credit by the Indians for marking the 




MKS. CLARISSA E. COX. 
itPhotograph Taken on her lOOtli birthday, Oct. 6, 1387. 



■ OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 9 

bed of Saugus River, as the reader will see by referring to 
another part of this work. A portion of Reedy Meadow is 
also named the " Devil's Kitchen," and another part the 
" Devil's Garden," although why is more than we can tell, and if 
one were sure this were all the grip that he had upon the settle- 
ment they might exclaim at the top of their voice, " Blessed !" 
The map in this book is a copy of Essex County map, 1856, 
with a few additional streets. 



HISTORY OF THE TO\\'N 




MAP or 

iS^NNFIELD 



OF LYNNFIF.LD, ISIASS. II 



CHAPTER II. 
Ancient Houses of Lynnfield. 

An old house, but still what a history, could it but be writ- 
ten ! How many memories cling to it ; how many hopes 
have centred there ; how many happy hours have been spent 
beneath its roof! How many sad hours have been passed 
within its walls ! Here have gathered many, many friends, and 
beneath its roof has transpired many an event celebrated in 
history. From its walks have gone the soldier son, perhaps 
never to return ; and this same scene may have been repeated 
time after time. In its recesses are sacred memorials, to be 
taken out, wept over, and returned. Here has childhood 
played, here has youth strayed, here has lived manhood, 
bold and strong, and here has age waited the summons to " go 
up higher. " Every room is crowded with clustering memo- 
ries, and it is remembered by those far away who have gone to 
bless mankind, and who at the ends of the earth in trem- 
bling accents sing, " Home, sweet home." 

We shall endeavor in this chapter to give the sites of Lynn- 
field's habitations of days gone by, showing where dwelt those 
whose names and deeds are mentioned in the pages of this 
work, and also that Lynnfield contains many houses built in 
days of yore. 

The first houses of this place were under ground, something 
like the dugouts of the West. This was deemed neces- 
sary for many reasons. When the country was first settled, 



12 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

bricks, glass, and nails, having to be imported from the old 
country, were very scarce and high in price, and very spar- 
ingly used. These houses under ground were warm, and were 
thought better places when an earthquake shook the earth, — a 
terror our ancestors had to put up with and which their suc- 
cessors know nothing of. 

Long since the present century began a resident of this 
town undertook to dig down a hill in front of his dwelling- 
house ; after a while he came to one of these dwellings, 
which contained iron, plaster, and other things, and the whole 
seemed as if at some previous time it had been ravaged by 
fire. 

The next dwellings were the log houses, and one of them 
was standing in the last century, and we wish it were standing 
now. About the year 1650 the frame dwellings appear, and 
some of them are still standing, " fearfully and wonderfully 
made." Some were garrison houses, with portholes, etc., where 
the neighbors could flee in case of an attack of the Indians. 
At least two of these remain and will be noticed hereafter. 
Most of the houses at this time were story-and-a-half buildings, 
built small, and added to at future periods, till in a century and 
a half more of the dwellings were large than small, but contained 
many unfinished rooms. 

FORMER DWELLINGS. 

A little more than a mile from the Common in an easterly 
direction following the main street is the Verne residence, spa- 
cious and roomy. It used to be the summer residence of 
Isaac Cook. It has been known for the last fourscore and 
ten years as the "Smith place." The two front rooms of the 
house were moved from North Reading over a hundred 
years ago with their owner. At that time the place was a wil- 
derness, a small part of which was cleared to put the house 
upon. No doubt the choice of the site was made because of 













.-*^ 



-"--^ 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 3 

the beautiful spring beneath the large old elms in front of the 
house. 

Coming down about one fourth of a mile toward the centre 
of the town, Lowell Street crosses Main. This has been called 
the " North Road " and the corner " Hart's Corner." Right 
here is a cellar, and on it for nearly seventy years stood a 
dwelling-house till it was burned in 1856, and so silent was the 
fire that a neighbor near by knew not the structure was gone 
till the next morning. It was a square house and unlike any 
that is left in town. 

Passing on Lowell Street a short distance we come to the 
homestead of Henry Endicott Smith. On the same spot stood 
years ago one of the most ancient dwellings in this region. 
No one who saw its ancient roof, its antique door and win- 
dow, but knew it was built in an age gone by. It is said it 
was once a tavern. An old house once stood in the field 
back of the last mentioned, and it disappeared generations 
ago. 

The site of another may be seen near Peabody line, and it 
was burned a couple of years ago. It was in this house that 
Capt. Ebenezer Hart spent his last days. 

A short distance above the corner is the Shute house, about 
a century old, built by the Hart family. 

Back of it stood another dwelling, but the traces of it are 
few at the present day to tell us mortals lived there. 

The land around here for acres and acres was the Hart 
grant, and here Hon. Thomas N. Hart's ancestors on his 
father's side lived. Everything was of magnificent dis- 
tances, — " the orchard, the meadow, the deep tangled wild- 
wood," the pig-yard, cow-yard, and all else of a great farm. 
A few traces remain to tell the tale. An old house known as 
the Hart house stood at the left of the " Four Corners," as the 
road is called. It stood in the midst of an enormous farm, 
and the apple orchard was near half a mile from the house, 



14 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

which had immense rooms. It was a two-story building, 
and at last was used to store hay in before being taken down. 
An old house stood on the Kmerson farm, and another where 
now stands the residence of Jeremiah Coney, which was re- 
moved to another part of the town about ninety years ago. 
An old house was burnt on the site of the present one, belong- 
ing to the late Joel Hewes, while the Norwood house shows 
unmistakable signs of antiquity. The old Shearman house 
stoo 1 on the site of Mrs. Sarah Wiley's home, and another 
where is the nice residence of David F. Parsons. The Tre- 
mont house, which was burned a few years ago, was an 
ancient one also, and it is said it was built north of its last 
site, standing near the Ipswich River, a quarter of a mile from 
its nearest neighbor, not one of whom, at that time, could be 
seen. Its peer was the old Newhall house, which is still stand- 
ing and has been the theatre of many events. The home of 
Mrs. James Reed is another of the same sort. It used to be 
known by a variety of names, but these have passed away. It 
stands like a beacon hght, and a " light in the window " can 
be seen for miles around. An old house was torn down about 
ninety years ago to make room for the Needham house. 
There are traces of a habitation near Goose Pond, but whose 
it was no man knoweth. 

The Pearson house was built near the beginning of the 
present century, and its aged ancestor stood farther back. 

The Perkins house was built about the year 1700, but, hav- 
ing been kept in good repair, bids fair to stay any length of 
time that may be wished. It has been inhabited by six John 
Perkinses. 

The Hart house is said to be the second built in town. 
It has a peaked roof, and one room in it used to be devoted 
to the culture of silkworms. Its massive oaken frame is still 
likely to stand, while others shall blow down. Coming down 
the hill and turning the corner toward the Centre, on the spot 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 5 

where stands the home of Mr. W. Nevvhall, once stood a 
house till it was burned, in 1842. The farm used to be known 
as the " Charlestovvn Farm," and it is said the fathers of 
Charlestown used to be entertained a day every year upon it. 

The Sparhawk house, built about 1720, on the same place 
where the Wheeler house now stands, was moved about thirty-five 
years ago a mile up the street, and afterward to Maiden, where 
is still its home. It was the home of Rev. Nathaniel Spar- 
hawk, and was built in nice shape, the rooms being finished in 
wood, and having wooden shutters. 

On the opposite side of Main Street, where now is the 
home of Judge Nash, once the Lynnfield parsonage, erected 
by Rev. Mr. Mottey, stood a venerable house which was taken 
down to make room for its successor. The farm and house 
were a gift to the reverend gentleman at the time of his settle- 
ment, and here his daughter, Mrs. Eliza Bancroft, was born, 
lived all her life, and died. 

Near the present site of the store of F. P. Russell, Esq., 
stood one hundred years ago a Gowing house. The ancient 
Bryant home stood a little to the west of the present, and 
nearer the Common, and was the nearest neighbor of the old 
meeting-house. A building was torn down a few years ago 
that was used by Charlestown people during the war to store 
furniture and other stuff in. This was the case with many 
buildings here, houses as well. 

An old tavern stood on the spot where is now the Flannagan 
home. It used also to contain other things, and the eastern 
part was very old, the western being built about 1780. 
Tradition says the old elm in front still standing is one hun- 
dred and twenty-five years old. The next on the same side 
of the street is said to be the third in town, being built before 
1 700, and has been the home of a legion of people. Before 
it stands a willow, one of the largest in the country, about 
ninety years old. 



1 6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

The house of the late Joseph Henfield is said to be the oldest 
in town, and has been the home of many eminent personages. 
The towering elm at the east side was named many years ago 
" The Pride of Lynnfield." The spacious yard in' front of 
this house used to be a hill, so that but the tops of carriages 
could be seen from the windows. Many years ago this was 
dug down, and six or eight feet below the ground was found 
a place full of ashes, bricks, and housekeeping implements, 
which, no doubt, was one of the underground homes of the 
first inhabitants of Lynn End, now Lynnfield, which had 
probably been burned up. 

The next, a gambrel-roofed house, is old and has a varied 
and interesting history. At the time it was built it was con- 
sidered the grandest house in town. The entry and staircase 
were of oak. It still contains an ancient buffet and a brass 
knocker. The western part used to be kept closed, and the 
family were forbidden to enter. A girl who lived in the 
family, while they were at meeting, thought she would 
view the premises. While in the front chamber she heard a 
sound and, fearing a surprise, jumped out of the end window 
and caused her death. Here died the sister and nephew 
of Charlotte Cushman, both of whom were cared for by 
the great dramatist, who used to visit them at this their 
home. From this same house were sent to the centennial 
of 1876 the silver shoe buckles of Samuel Adams, the 
patriot. 

The next old house was brought from Wakefield near a 
century ago, and was an old settler. 

A large old house stood where the residence of Charles 
Derby now is, and the Orne family removed from it to the 
present Emerson house when it was built. 

Back in what is now the woods stood in different places 
four, and probably five, of Lynnfield's ancient habitations ; 
now Uttle else than cellar holes, trees, etc., remain to proclaim 




EBENEZER PARSONS. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 7 

the fact. The builders are dead and their descendants scat- 
tered. 

The house of Miles Thurston is one of the older ones, and 
has been the theatre of important events. Within about 
twenty-five years its aspect has so changed that no one would 
recognize it ; once it was used as a public house. 

The Cox house has grown from modest proportions to be 
one of the largest in the town, and it is also the last before 
one enters Wakefield. For several reasons, we believe it is one 
of the most healthy residences we know of. 

Not far from the Centre railroad station, with its sloping lawn, 
whereon stands a massive elm, is another of Lynn End's ancient 
inns, built in the proportions of a farmhouse of two hundred 
years ago with its subsequent additions. During the war of 
the Revolution it was known as the "Joseph Gowing Tavern," 
and to this building was brought the remains of Lynnfield's 
son who was killed at Lexington, April 19, 1775 ; and it is said 
the house did not look so timeworn twenty-five years agone 
as it did in 1775. 

The Danforth house was built by Dea. Nathaniel Bancroft, 
in 1744, and has been remodelled several times. The road- 
way leading to it is lined with venerable elms. The old house 
stood a little farther north than the present one, and was 
aged a hundred and fifty years ago. 

Up the hill is a house which has been kept up so that it 
does not look very old, but it is much older than the last men- 
tioned. In front of it are gigantic elms which can be seen 
for a great distance. 

Near the pound once stood another old house which was 
torn down at the beginning of this century. It had a wing on 
either side, and at last was used for the storage of hay. The 
last family lived in one end, and kept their hens, etc., in the 
other. Of the last six houses here mentioned probably five 
were built by the Bancrofts. 



15 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

At the junction of the Lynn and Saugus roads we see a 
house that seems to be retreating, that is, it does not face the 
street, for the reason that the highway has been changed. The 
front part is about ninety years old, the rear is very old. 
From this house went forth to the battle of Lexington, never 
to return, Daniel Townsend, Lynnfield's noble son. A large 
number of Lynnfield's sons have first seen the light beneath 
its friendly roof. 

East of this, on the hill where now is the ancient cellar hole, 
doorstone, and generous elm, once stood, for one hundred 
and seventy-five years, the old Wellman house, it having de- 
parted in the early part of the century. 

Another Wellman house stood near the barn of George E. 
Herrick, and another of the same name not far from Andrew 
Mansfield's, and not far from this two more belonging to the 
same name. 

On Salem Street a cottage, that used to be known as " Aunt 
Fanny Walton's," is one of the old habitations, but is as 
picturesque and inviting as possible. The large old Ramsdell 
house, once the Mansfield place, dates back for generations, 
and was replaced last year by a new one. At the corner of 
Main and Essex Streets stood, till it was burned in 1878, a house, 
the eastern part being the old schoolhouse which stood on 
Lynnfield Common, and was built about 1772, being removed 
there in 1808. 

An old house of small dimensions stood near the former 
house of Mrs. James Hewes. Farther on the hill was the 
Larrabee house, which a little previous to 1850 became a barn. 
This place was owned by the town. 

A little back of this, on the slope of Pine Hill, stands an 
old farmhouse, once the Gowing place, while a smaller one, 
standing nearer the street, was burned several years since. 

One more on this street was an old Aborn house, with its 
quaint appearance, being shingled all over, and boasted to the 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. TQ 

traveller as he passed by of no less than seven different sizes 
of windows. The rooms within were of " magnificent dis- 
tances," a few would accommodate the largest families. 

Near the railway, on what used to be the old Salem road, 
which is now on private land, used to stand a number of 
dwelhngs, but all are gone ; the last, the Butler house, was 
burned. At the time it was unoccupied, but a family were to 
move in the next day. Near by were the Aborn, the Foster, 
the Nourse, and the Gowing places, stretching to Peabody line. 
It is in this region that " old Camp Comfort" is located, and 
is known to many a one in neighboring places ; and the sur- 
rounding country is a rural walk for pedestrians. Here still 
are relics of old cellars, wells, brooks, trees, patches of wood 
and meadow, and many other traces of former homes, where, 
no doubt, the inhabitants would have stared, if they had not 
stopped their ears, to have seen the iron horse plough 
through their fields and past their doors. With this excep- 
tion, this part of the town is in its primitive simplicity, en- 
closed by substantial and massive stone walls, which look as 
if the sons of Anack must have laid them, and speak well for 
the strength of their builders of at least a century ago, and 
look as if they might last into the next to come. 

Years agone, at the southwestern boundary of the town, 
on Saugus River, was the well-known sash and blind fac- 
tory. A very short distance is the old Tate place, which was 
in the time of the Revolutionary War the home of Timothy 
Munroe, of which this book speaks under that head. Another 
ancient home has for generations kept it company, and 
we presume there are still others of which we have not 
learned. 

The Hawkes house, of more than two centuries ago, stood 
on the spot where now stands the home of George L. Hawkes. 
In the pasture southward still stands the old Tarbell house, 
although its inmates by that name left many years ago. 



20 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Passing on we see the square, comfortable home of the 
Mansfields, nearly a century of age. 

The Ramsdell house, before mentioned, has been struck by 
lightning a number of times. Once the fire was put out with 
milk, and once a bedstead, whereon the inmates were lying, was 
sent to the top of the room. Several old Newhall houses and 
others belonging to the name of Aborn, while three belonging 
to the Mansfields, are among the homes formerly of Lynn 
End. 

Among the illustrations of this book will be noticed the 
Mansfield house, Peabody. This is claimed to be the oldest 
house occupied by that name, and is probably nearly two 
centuries old. Apartof the farm is in Lynnfield. The house 
stands very near the line of Lynnfield, and belongs to the 
village of South Lynnfield, while its inmates have always 
seemed to belong to Lynnfield. The house is still occupied 
by E. and W. A. Mansfield, descendants of the original owner, 
and who pay taxes on more than threescore acres of land in 
this town. The place is at the present time in splendid 
repair, with modern improvements, and a pleasant sight to 
see. The Mansfields came originally from this house and 
settled in Lynnfield, at least those who are now of that 
name in town, and the picture is furnished for this work by 
Mr. Charles F. Mansfield, of Wakefield, an antiquarian, and 
one who has collected very many facts respecting his ances- 
tors, a gentleman in the truest sense and a friend worthy of 
the name. 

N. M. Hawkes, a Lynnfield scion, forcibly says: "The 
standard elms and the south-facing, long-sloping, back-roofed 
houses, with the great stack of chimneys in the centre, to all 
these people are home and history and the sterling point of 
family lines. 

" The whole county is dotted with these old earth-hugging 



OF LYNNFTELD, MASS. 21 

houses, upon which the storms of bleak winters have beaten 
in vain for centuries. 

"They were wisely built, by men who knew the climate, and 
by men who were founding families. They overlooked the 
broad acres which their builders had redeemed from the 
wilderness. Square, prim, and strong, admirably adapted to 
the age in which they were built. Time has mellowed their 
surroundings and made them one and all picturesque and im- 
portant adjuncts in every hamlet in the county. Every one is 
full of the traditions and history of its long- departed occupants 
and of the people. 

" Let us not learn from strangers to appreciate the historic 
value nor the substantial use of the stout houses that are gems 
set in the grassy lanes of old Essex, but let us so care for 
them as to make them still attractive to the wanderer who re- 
turns to the home of his people." 

Sometimes we sit thinking in one of these old habitations, 
which has been the theatre of events for two centuries and a 
half. We seem to see them raise the building, using pegs for 
nails, splitting pieces of board to fill the places, hewing logs 
to make floors, building the chimney with bricks from Old 
England, and nails and window glass must come from there. 
Anon the family are settled within. What checkered scenes 
come up ! In the chimney corner sit the aged couple, while 
the grandchildren play around them and bring their children 
for grandparents' blessing. What comfort, what cheer, have 
dwelt beneath that roof; what sorrow, what surprises, have 
also been hidden there ! That door has opened to bring forth 
its inmates for the last time. Within, the wedding bells have 
sounded ; toddling infant and tottering age have both passed 
its portals. How many a time have parents looked out to see 
their boys depart, or a newcomer who has come to claim a 
share of the spacious home ! How often have " wars and 



2 2 HISTORY_^OF THE TOWN 

rumors of wars " been discussed within its portals. Yet were 
we to try to describe half of the events transacted here, this 
little book would not hold them ; for if some people are 
"walking encyclopaedias," this house would be a library of 
history. But we cannot forget that New England is what its 
homes have made it ; and here was planted the seed from 
which has sprung our churches, our schools, and all else that 
is noble and grand. We say, " God bless our home ! " 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 23 



CHAPTER III. 
Old Meeting-House. — Town Hall. — Schools. 

Not of marble reaching high, 

With gilded bands around, 
Toward the blue ethereal sky, 

Nor wreaths its top surround. 

But a solid building lifts, 

With the years grown old, 
Our fathers' and our mothers' gifts, 

More precious far than gold. 

It speaks of patience, courage true, 

In years that now have flown; 
Noble souls as earth e'er knew, 

They were God's very own. 

Near it the builders rest, 

Calm 'neath the pine-tree shade, 

To us their memory blest 

In colors that ne'er shall fade. 

A glory crowns thy head, 

A halo all thine own, 
A link of living and of dead, 

To-day and those that are gone. 

THE OLD MEETING-HOUSE. 

This is one of the landmarks of the town, and one of the 
oldest houses of worship in this ancient Commonwealth, being 
built in 1 715, so that it is one hundred and seventy-nine 
years of age. The old church at Hingham (we meant the 
old meeting-house), or perhaps we should say the old ship, 



24 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

was built in 1680; St. Michael's, Marblehead, in 1714; and 
this in the next year. The Old South Meeting-House in 
Boston, so noted, was built in 1730, fifteen years after the 
Lynnfield one, while the ancient stone chapel is thirty-five 
years its junior, so that we see there is not a church edifice in 
the metropolis which has attained the age of this one. 

It was built when the land was the dominion of the king 
of Great Britain, between fifty and sixty years before the 
Declaration of Independence. It was built upon the land 
where the wood was cut, some of it for its timbers, and was 
purchased of the Gowings. It was a plain building, with its 
ponderous oaken beams, which have so faithfully stood the 
test of almost centuries. No turret, tower, or belfry ever sur- 
mounted its roof, any more than if it had been built by a 
Society of Quakers. 

The pulpit used to stand upon the eastern side, with a win- 
dow behind, and a sounding-board above the latter, — a terror 
to children, for fear it might fall and envelop the dear minister. 

There were three galleries ; one of them contained the 
hind men's seats, reserved purposely for colored people, who 
were slaves, or their children ; and more than one slave child 
has been presented for baptism by its master in the old 
edifice. There were also three doors to enter the building, 
and before them were the horse blocks, — large stones for dis- 
mounting from the horses. The last one was removed about 
thirty years ago. 

The building was neither plastered nor painted for more than 
a hundred years. It contained square pews, and these were 
ornamented with gingerbread work, as it was called. 

In May, 1782, a petition was presented to see if the signers 
might cut the house in two and move it, and put in fourteen feet, 
and leave the pulpit and deacons' seats, without cost to the 
parish. 

A meeting was held, and it was agreed to move the galleries 




JUDGE STir.IEiN O. NASH. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 2$ 

two and one half feet ; the pews were then to be sold at 
auction to pay the cost of repairs ; and at a meeting of the 
proprietors of the new part it was agreed to let a man have 
twelve inches to enlarge his pew, at the price the rest paid. 
The following was the assignment of the pews, 1783 : — 

" The pew next the ministerial pew on the southeast side, 
to Mr. Josiah Newhall ; the corner pew adjoining, to Mr. 
Jonathan Wellman ; floor pew, the southeast side of the 
* broad alley,' to Dea. Daniel Mansfield ; the pew adjoining, 
on the same side, to Lieut. James Bancroft ; the two pews ad- 
joining, to Thomas Townsend ; the wall pew at the northerly 
end of the meeting-house, adjoining the northeast corner pew, 
to John Bancroft ; the northeast corner pew, to James Brown ; 
the pew at the right hand of the front door. No. i, to Capt. 
John Burnham ; the pew at the left hand of the front door, 
No. 2, to Thomas Reed; pew at the west side of the pulpit. 
No. 3, to Andrew Mansfield ; No. 4, to Nathaniel Howard ; 
pew on the floor at the west door, next to Ed. Sparhawk's, 
No. 5, to John Hewes; next to J. Hewes', No. 6, to Dea. 
Daniel Mansfiled ; the pew and a half at the east door. 
No. 7, to Matthew Newhall; the two pews at the east side 
of the ' broad alley,' Nos. 8 and 9, to William Mansfield ; the 
pew at the west side of the ' broad alley ' to Timothy Walton." 

For more than fifty years but little was done to this build- 
ing, the principal thing being, perhaps, the introduction of 
a stove, which, as in other meeting-houses, was not done 
with haste. This event occurred in 1824. The following 
votes will explain more fully : " Voted, that the parish raise 
the sum of thirty dollars (to be added to the sum raised in 
March last) for the purpose of setting up a stove in the 
meeting-house belonging to said society." "Nov. i, 1824. 
Voted, that a committee be chosen for the purpose of setting 
up a stove in said house." "That the committee consist 
of three." "That Charles Richardson, Matthew Cox, and 



26 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Benj. Cox be a committee to do the aforesaid business." 
" That the space near the north door is a convenient place 
to set a stove." 

Perhaps the reader has imagined the good fathers and 
mothers before this time shivering through the cold Sundays 
with nothing but foot-stoves to keep the frost from their limbs. 
This is not quite the fact, for, it is said, on cold days Rev. Mr. 
Mottey always favored an adjournment to the schoolhouse, 
near by, and which contained an ample fireplace which sent 
forth its cheerful glow. And when the reverend gentleman 
built his new house he said he meant to have one room large 
enough to hold meetings in. That room is Mrs. Judge Nash's 
parlor. The meeting-house being sadly out of repair and the 
town having no hall, the following proposal was made to the 
town by a committee of the parish : — 

" We, the undersigned, committee for the First Congregational Society 
in Lynnfield, wish to make the following proposals to the inhabitants of 
the town of Lynnfield, viz. : — 

" Being about to repair our meeting-house, and having no particular use 
for the lower story as high as the galleries are now placed, except a con- 
venient and suitable place for the erection of stairs, by which the mem- 
bers of the above-mentioned society may ascend to and enter the upper 
story of said meeting-house, 

" Therefore, we propose to give all the lower story of the said meeting- 
house (with the exception above mentioned") to the inhabitants of the 
town of Lynnfield for a Town House. Provided, the inhabitants of the 
town of Lynnfield will agree to pay one half of all the expenses of 
repairing the outside roof and underpinning of said meeting-house, and 
the parish will enter into obligation that as long as the said inhabitants 
of Lynnlield will continue to pay one half of the expense of keeping 
it in repair so long the said inhabitants shall enjoy the above-named 
privilege. 

"BOWMAN VILES, 
H. EMERSON, 
MOSES RICHARDSON, 
MATTHEW COX. 
"Lynnfield, Sept. 7, 1836." 



OF LYNNFIELD,^MASS. 27 

The town voted to accept the proposal offered concern- 
ing the old meeting-house, and a committee was chosen to 
confer with the parish committee and carry the proposal into 
effect, providing the whole cost do not exceed ^600, so that 
in no case the town shall piy more than ^300, first receiving a 
written obligation of said parish committee that it shall be free 
from all incumbrances, and that the part of the house named 
in the proposal be cleared of pews, etc., in a proper manner. 

An agreement was entered into with Moses Hobson and the 
parish committee to finish, plaster, and paint the house, put 
in twenty-four new windows with twenty-four new lights, build 
a pulpit and pews, all to be done in six months. For many 
years after the figures above the pulpit denoted the erection 
and remodelling of the building, viz., 17 15-1837. Preaching 
was kept up for a few years, and then for about ten years the 
meeting-house was closed, until 1849. 

The withdrawal of the Evangelical Society, formed Sep- 
tember, 1832, and which took place at that time because 
the old society had become Unitarian, crippled them greatly. 
At that time it took the trustees of the fund, deacons. 
Sabbath-school superintendent, and nearly every member 
of the church, and it has never revived to the old standard. 
The house is at the present time closed, and many in- 
teresting facts in its history are related in the ecclesiastical 
history of this work. The lower part is still used, and 
is of great interest to the antiquarian. The present building 
was much improved by paint and blinds about forty years 
ago. Two of its windows are the same that were put in more 
than a hundred years ago. Probably there is no building 
around that has served such a variety of uses. Several 
efforts have been made to remove the building from its 
original site, but none have yet succeeded. We hope that it 
may long survive and still be a benefit to this community, 
as it certainly might. 



28 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

We had always supposed that this building was erected by 
taxation, but were pleased to find that it was done by subscrip- 
tion, and a second subscription was given ere it was finished. 
It was underpinned with stones, which all remain to this day ; 
and the ponderous oaken beams show it to be " fearfully and 
wonderfully made." The walls are of great thickness. The 
shape of the building when first built was nearly square ; by 
the addition of the fourteen feet set in in 17S2, the house as- 
sumed its present shape. It has had four sets of windows, 
one at the beginning of its career, in i 715, probably rude ones. 
In 1 75 1 it was voted to have the meeting-house plastered, 
clapboarded, and shingled, with window frames. Those who 
gave the new ones to have the old ones. In 1782 it again 
had new ones ; two of these are in the attic. There were 
twelve panes in the upper sash and eight in the lower. When 
the house was remodelled in 1837, those, all but the two 
upper ones before mentioned, were taken out and the present 
ones fitted, which are strong and serviceable. 

In 1800 it was voted to raise $100 to paint the meeting- 
house ; the next year it was voted not to paint it, and this was 
not done for more than fifty years after. 

The upper part was used for the uses of a church, while the 
lower story has been the town hall for a little over fifty years, 
so that the variety of uses to which the building has been put, 
good, bad, and indifferent, is simply astonishing, — public 
worship, ordinations, prayer-meetings, lectures, most all kinds 
of organizations, balls, parties, levees, town meetings, schools, 
caucuses, trials, conventions, anniversaries, war meetings, 
suppers and dinners, picnics, reunions, dancing school, writ- 
ing school, singing school, lyceums, funerals, and parades. 

It is located on one side of a pretty park. Lynnfield Com- 
mon is in the shape of a triangle, and the old meeting-house is 
on the eastern side. When it was built the highway ran 
through the middle of the Common, so that the front or, as it 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 29 

was called, the " fore" door was on the west side of it, and a 
stone wall came up close to the corner of it on what was then 
the rear side of the building. A row of horse sheds stood 
where the sidewalk now is, — a perfect horror to pedestrians. 
On the other side of the street that ran through the Common 
was a goose pond, and swine were allowed to run at large- 
The streets ran much nearer the old meeting-house on both 
sides, while South Common Street, where the sidewalk now is, 
was a low gutter, and the trees were not there. Two aged men 
used to claim that their grandfathers set out the big elm under 
whose spreading branches have been held many gatherings 
and from whose trunk have hung effigies. It is said the sec- 
ond-sized elm was set out by Hon. Asa Tarbel Newhall to 
hitch his horse to on Sabbath days. In 1841 a number of 
spirited yotmg men brought trees and set them out, and about 
two years ago another contribution was made of the same sort, 
so that now it is covered with trees, and since it has been 
graded it is one of the prettiest parks to be found ; and Lynn- 
field is noted for its beautiful large shade trees. 

The western corner was first used for a site for the school- 
house, after for hay scales, then for flagstaff, and now the town 
pump. 

Near by the guidepost informs us that it is to Wakefield 3, 
Reading 3, Boston 13, Lynn 7, Peabody 7, Danvers 7, Mid- 
dleton 5, Salem 8, North Reading 4, and Saugus 5 miles. 

On the east side are the Central Church, the Centre 
Schoolhouse, while at the southern point, where the two ways 
meet, is the much-prized new town hall, built in 1891. On its 
outer edge stands the wheelwright shop of Samuel Harding, 
who has worked in this place nearly a half-century, and the 
village smith may be heard ringing upon his anvil on the main 
street. 

A little brook crosses the street at the foot of the Common, 
which once flowed on in plain sight, but which later improve- 



30 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

ments have nearly hidden from sight, yet it is the " school- 
house brook." Altogether, making allowance for partiality, 
we think it a beautiful place, especially in summer, when its 
trees arch overhead, when it is carpeted with grass all spot- 
ted with dandelions ; and it makes one think of the old and 
new. 

Not far from the old meeting-house still lies a stone which 
was once a horse block. There used to be three of them, one 
by each door of the edifice. One was used for many years 
as a doorstep. 

A row of sheds once occupied the sidewalk on Summer 
Street. There were ten of them, and the hearse house ; 
they were painted red. During the September gale of 1815 
they were all blown over flat on their backs. After this a 
heavy piece of granite was fastened by an iron bolt to each 
shed, or, as they were called, " horse houses," to prevent another 
uprising or downfalling of these appendages. They were taken 
down about 1850. 

Said one of Lynnfield's gifted sons, Hon. N. M. Hawkes : — 

" The dedication of your fair new town building marks an era in your 
existence. It is the final divorce of church and town. The holding of the 
town meetings in the house erected on the green by the old North Parish 
was a reminder of Puritan ways that was unique. The old house was 
plain, but it was in keeping with the plain, God-fearing yeomanry who 
there legislated and worshipped. There the precinct district and town of 
Lynnfield were formed. After the massive timbers of that edifice were 
hewn from the primeval forest two generations of men had wrought their 
appointed tasks ere the solemn rumble of creaking wagons passed on to 
the Col. Cox Tavern, with precious freight of dead and wounded. 

"That wondrous day, the 19th of April, had occurred, and hard by in 
yonder churchyard repose the mortal remains of Lynnfield's hero and 
martyr of that day. Sturdy artisans were raising the frame of that edifice 
a century before the star of Napoleon Bonaparte set in tinal darkness upon 
the field of Waterloo. The snows of a hundred and fifty bleak winters 
had blown upon it when Grant and Lee met at Appomattox, — and Appo- 
mattox to those living to-day seems like history." 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 3 1 



THE TOWN HALT,. 



For some time, especially during the years 1889 and 1890, 
there had been a desire to remove the old town hall and 
meeting-house from the Common and modernize and improve 
the building. The initial movement towards the new hall was 
on March 30, 1890, at a special town meeting, when $6,500 
was voted for the purpose, and a building committee of five, 
being Messrs. George E. Batchelder, Henry Law, Elbridge 
F. Gerry, Warren Newhall, and Albert Copeland, were 
chosen. The committee purchased a lot of land on Summer 
Street, near the Common, of Frank T. D. Barnjum, and a piece 
containing 2,480 feet was given by Mr. Ebenezer Parsons. 

The building was erected by Messrs. Wentworth & Heath, 
of Wakefield, the mason work by H. C. Watson, of Reading. 
The surveyor was Mr. James A. Bancroft, of Reading. An- 
other town meeting was held in June, and $1,000 was appro- 
priated to heat, light, and furnish the building, which was 
accepted by the committee Dec. 12, 1890. 

The hall sets back from the street, so that there is a lawn in 
front. It is built of wood, two stories high and a basement. 
Its dimensions are 48 by 60 feet. It has a tower in front, 
and before this a portico. Inside this is a vestibule, and a 
closet of large dimensions on either side. The vestibule leads 
to the main hallway, where are doors to the different 
rooms on the lower floor, consisting of banquet hall, 21^ x 28 
feet ; selectmen's room opposite, 16x19 ^^et, and containing a 
vault of brick and iron, the brick walls twenty inches in thick- 
ness. The iron vault is 7^ x 9^ feet on the inside, and the 
safe was made by E. C. Morris, of Boston. The ticket office 
is in front of the hallway, and a committee room, 13 x 14 feet, 
at the west. The public library room is in the front of the 
building and north of the banquet hall ; it is 13 x 23 feet. At 
the rear of the building is a door outside and stairway to the 



32 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

upper part. A kitchen is in the southern portion. The base- 
ment is cemented and is high studded, with brick piers, and 
contains lockups and furnaces. 

The main hall is on the second floor, being 36 x 39 feet, 
with a stage 10x18 feet, with anterooms on either side and a 
balcony in front. There are cloak-rooms at the north side, 
and the hall is finely seated, so that they can be removed in 
sections. The whole is finished in whitewood with floors of 
birch and hard pine, with interior blinds and transoms for ven- 
tilation. It cost $8,398.70, and the next year sheds, tramp 
house, etc., were built by an extra appropriation from the 
town, that seems well pleased with the result of the eff^ort to 
build it. The hall was dedicated Jan. 28, 1892, when many 
gathered from this and neighboring towns. Henry Law 
presided. The American Band, of Lowell, furnished fine 
music for the occasion. Rev. H. L. Brickett, of Lynnfield 
Centre, offered prayer, and was then introduced as the orator of 
the day, which position he filled admirably. He related many 
incidents in the town's history, made a strong plea for the 
ancient church to be preserved as a relic of the past, for a 
public library to be placed in the hall, for which accommoda- 
tions had been provided, and also recommended a tablet to be 
put in the hall for Lynnfield's valiant sons, a fund for which 
since then has been commenced. Mayor Elihu Hayes, of 
Lynn, spoke of the close connection between Lynn and Lynn- 
field, and urged the establishment of the public library at the 
next town meeting, which was done. The keys were received 
by John M. Danforth, Esq., and the reading of the report by 
George E. Batchelder. Mayor William M. Tyler spoke for 
Wakefield in a happy vein, as did Judge E. A. LTpton. Hon. 
Nathan M. Hawkes, a native of Lynnfield, had prepared a 
paper, — " Why the Old Town House was Built and some Things 
which have been Talked of Since." The time had so passed 
away that bis remarks were brief, but the article was printed 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 33 

and is a valuable addition to the history of this old historic 
town. 

Hon. Asa Tarbel Nevvhall, ex-mayor of Lynn and a native of 
Lynnfield, gave an address full of patriotism, enthusiastic in 
praise of Lynnfield. The following poem (original) was read 
by its author, Mrs. Annie Stevens Perkins : — 

" There were meetings and greetings and proud, glancing eyes, 
At the thought of completed successful enterprise. 

One day in the long ago. 
In the calm autumn sunlight glad forms might be seen, 
And with sweet sounds the breezes above the fair green 

Went wandering to and fro. 

" Lordly and fair neath the blue of the sky, 
A newly built edifice gladdened the eye. 

The pride of the quiet' town. 
Reared to the praise of the God they loved. 
Whose tender mercies had ever proved 
Their blessing, their glory crown. 

" In the hush of the holy Sabbath they came, 
Some golden boon from above to claim, 

At this first gathering. 
Brave and earnest in piety 
Our town's forefathers, whose memory 

Sacred and dear we sing. 

" Those voices, eager with joyful praise. 
Died in the silence of the golden days, 

And passed from the earth away. 
But in courts unseen there are echoes now 
Of the song and prayer and fervent vow 
Of that distant, holy day. 

" We can but hallow their memory, 
And grateful accept the legacy. 

Through the long past handed down, 
A building grand, with the story of years. 
All fraught with the holy hopes and fears, 
To God's fulfilment grown. 



34 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

" A link that binds to the days of old, 
When trust and truth were more than gold 

And life was a way to God; 
A silent reminder left behind, 
That however life's pathways lengthen and wind 
Eternity must be trod. 

" Could the hall on yonder quiet green 
Speak of all it has ever seen 

And the tales it has surely heard. 
The truth that history is but the plan 
Of a Providence ever guiding man 
Would echo in every word. 

" For sacred association's sake. 
Truest and fondest pride we take 

In the hall beneath the elms. 
Close wrapped in the present, would we forget 
The heaven-blessed past, whose story yet 
The true heart overwhelms? 

" It is fitting to guard the storied frame. 
Grand with a thought lips cannot name, 

And sacred to memory. 
It is fitting now to set aside 
From common use in holy pride 

Our fair, rich legacy. 

" We have gathered within these walls to-day, 
Mid music and gladness and greetings gay. 

And faces with joy alight. 
With prideful glow at last we call 
Our own, our beautiful, new Town Hall, 
So fair to our partial sight. 

" With its spacious corridors and halls. 
And apartments to meet the many calls 

A townspeople may make. 
The airy and commodious hall. 
Library, banquet-room, and all. 

Where we may comfort take. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 35 

" Municipal apartments too, 
Carefully planned for the work to do, 

For all needs and behests. 
Upstairs hall and gallery show. 
And two little bedrooms down below 

For very infrequent guests. 

" May the building we with our glad hopes crown 
Prove a joy and blessing to all our town, 

As the years shall come and go ! 
Advancing in all prosperity. 
In the new opened era of days to be. 

Unto honor may we grow. 

" We have come from our common paths away. 
For this is our happy, gala day, 

Sacred to us so dear; 
With sweet rejoicing and grateful praise. 
We would make it the brightest of hope-crowned days, 

As we gather in gladness here. 

" To all who have come with greetings fair, 
In our rejoicings and praise to share, 

We offer our welcome true; 
We find it the wish of our inmost heart 
That something the hour may impart 
Shall be glad and sweet to you. 

" So welcome, heart welcome we offer you, 
Who have gathered with greetings glad and true, 

Here at the voice of our call, 
While with strains of melody thrilling the air. 
And to heaven uprising the throb of our prayer. 

We dedicate this our hall." 

The literary exercises lasted nearly three hours, including 
an inspection of the different parts of the edifice. After the 
benediction had been pronounced by Rev. H. L. Brickett, 
the invited guests were escorted to a supper in the lower hall, 
splendidly spread by Caterer Dill, of Melrose. 



36 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

A ball was held in the evening till two o'clock in the morn- 
ing, the music and supper being furnished as in the after- 
noon. The hall has proved a boon to the town in many 
ways, and fulfils all expectations of its originators. It came 
very near being burned on the 24th of September, 1894, 
at the time the new dwelling-house and the paint shop, for- 
merly the Methodist Meeting-House, burned to the ground, 
and it was only by strenuous exertions in keeping the building 
wet that it was saved. May it be, like the Old South Meeting- 
House in Boston, a barrier where the fire shall stop, though it 
may have been raging long in other directions, and may it ever 
be a beacon light for truth ! On its tower we can read, "Town 
Hall, 1 89 1." 

SCHOOLS. 

Lynnfield, like the rest of New England, and especially 
Massachusetts, was a patron of public schools. Next to her 
church came the school. Not that she always had a public- 
school building ready for use, as at present, still she made 
provision for the school if not for the building ; it was the 
kernel she looked for, — the nut and not the shell. We find as 
far back as 1730 the town of Lynn making provision for this 
part of its territory, and doubtless it had done so for more 
than fifty years. The town used sometimes to hire a master, 
and send him awhile in one ward and awhile in another, for 
no child dreamed of going to school all the time ; and besides 
the qualifications for teachers were various. Not all of them 
were college graduates. Some of them were aged, some were 
in poor health. Sometimes the minister taught the school, 
and especially those fitting for seminaries or colleges. 

When the schools were taught by ladies, sewing was one 
and sometimes the acquisition. As a general thing, the tasks 
were not numerous, Latin and Greek being reserved for 
future generations. 




SOUTH SCHOOLHOUSE. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 



37 



For many years after its settlement this village never boasted 
a schoolhouse, but previous to one being built rooms were 
furnished in private houses, more generally up one flight of 
stairs; and there is still standing one of the old domiciles, 
built way back in the past, that boasts of a room where many 
persons of influence graduated in the gone-by days, some of 
whom have made a mark in the world. 

In 1763 the parish voted to build a schoolhouse "nigh ye 
meeting-house," but it was not probably done till 1772. At that 




1772. 



time the town of Lynn " voted to give fifteen pounds to build 
a schoolhouse in the north ward." This schoolhouse was a 
small one, about twelve by eighteen feet, and stood where the 
town pump on the Common is and close to the old burying 
ground. It was a plain building, had a fireplace on one side 
and a door in one corner. 

This building was used for the purpose for which it was 
built till 1808, when it was superseded by another, which 
stood nearly in the street, near the spot occupied by the 
present Centre Schoolhouse. The old one was sold for part 



38 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

of a dwelling-house, and stood near the corner of Main and 
Essex Streets, where it was burned in 1878. 

The second schoolhouse was blessed with a convenient 
entry, perhaps nine or ten feet square, finished in wood 
and furnished with hooks and pegs. This was given to 
the ward by the late Capt. Henry Bancroft. This building, 
during its earlier existence, had a big fireplace, but later on a 
stove was thought to be preferable. The ponderous tongs 
that the fire used to be poked with in the old fireplace are 
still in the keeping of one of the scholars of the old school- 
house, and, were there an historical society in this town, it 
would be presented with half a thousand other articles to show 
what has been in days of yore. This schoolhouse at first was 
painted red, as were most all built long ago. The North 
Schoolhouse stood on the little common in front of the present 
one, and was not so old as the last named. It was not so 
large, but it too was a red one. It is supposed that some of its 
scholars thought it had outlived its usefulness, and one night 
in 1856 it was burned down. 

In those days economy was practised everywhere. The 
boys were expected to build the fires and the girls sweep the 
schoolroom. Imagine the state of society now were these 
rules enforced upon the young gentlemen and ladies of the 
present ! I fear there would be almost a state of chaos ; yet 
this was done till 1848. 

Another article of economy was that the boys used to 
perform their examples and write upon their leathern 
breeches. 

I have just paused in this article, ascended to the top of 
the house and brought down an ancient arithmetic, that my 
grandfather and father both used at school, by Daniel Adams, 
1802. It is a veritable book, with board covers covered with 
leather ; a string is attached to hang it by. The paper is good 
and looks as if it might last any number of years. Of course 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 39 

it has/'s for s's. On the 210th page are "pleasant and divert- 
ing questions." Let me copy one that in my childhood I 
used to love to repeat : — 

" 3d. As I was going to St. Ives, 
I met seven wives. 
Every wife had seven sacks, 
Every sack had seven cats, 
Every cat had seven kits. 
Kits, cats, sacks, and wives. 
How many were going to St. Ives? " 

And we will give also a word that a schoolgirl of eighty- 
five and ninety years ago informs us was given out to spell. 
It is " lioronofoquificubituditatibusque " (Ho-ro-no-fo-qui-fi- 
cubi-tudi-tati-busque), and strongly reminds one of having 
come down from the wigwam. 

The South Schoolhouse was built at the beginning of the 
present century, on the same site where now stands its suc- 
cessor. The ward was called " Newhall Ward," and each ward 
built its own schoolhouse till the wards were abolished in 1868. 
The schoolhouse was large and remained many years. After 
new schoolhouses had been built in the North and Centre 
wards, it was one day in town meeting remarked that the 
south part ought to have a new schoolhouse. Several came 
forward and remarked that their schoolhouse was good enough, 
large enough, etc. Indeed, things seemed to be in a thriving 
condition, but as soon as the town could build a new school- 
house it was a new tune set on a different key. 

While the town did not control the schools in 1856, the 
present Centre Schoolhouse was built. It was much the finest 
in town that had ever been built, and at the present time con- 
tains the largest room in town. It was furnished with all the 
modern conveniences, and the dedication of it was quite an 
event long to be remembered, and really showed forth the 
town to advantage. 



40 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Soon after this the North Schoolhouse, which had lately been 
reared, was also dedicated. It was built on aside lot, instead 
of the triangle where the former stood. At the time it was 
built the ward furnished plenty of scholars for a good- sized 
school, but for many years there has been a steady decline, 
and for decades the schoolhouse has been closed, and seems 
worthless, except for its company or something to want insur- 
ance, except for its memories ; and they will always cling to the 
school of youth. The writer remembers hearing the songs 
like "Way Down upon the Swanee River" sung before he 
ever read " Uncle Tom's Cabin." He remembers with inter- 
est seeing the broom walk in at the entry door enveloped in 
the many clothes of the many school children, hear its drum- 
hum, etc., little thinking that one of the scholars was enveloped 
in the wrapping, and held the said broom above her head. He 
remembers hearing the scholars in the grammar class parse " I 
might have been," and sure enough, she has " had Ben " ever 
since. These and many other things rush into the mind, from 
the very mention of school. 

And now the wards are abolished, and the South School 
needs badly a new schoolhouse ! A new one, the hand- 
somest and most costly building of its kind ever built in town, 
rears its head near the spot on which the former one stood, 
while close beside it floats the flag of freedom, the gift of 
Hon. Asa Tarbel Newhall, a native of this town and an ex- 
mayor of Lynn. The building accommodates two schools, 
one up stairs and one down. It was built in 187 1, the 
expense not to exceed ^4,000. It is surmounted by a 
cupola, and looks as if education there is in quite a flourish- 
ing condition. A cut is given in this work of it, with the 
children of the two schools assembled in front on a November 
day. 

One thing is certain, birchen rods do not grow as near the 
schoolhouse door as they did many years ago. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 4I 

The primary school at the Centre is in the old town hall, 
which has been used for many years, although not at all times, 
for its convenience. It underwent considerable freshening dur- 
ing 1894, and is really quite a pretty schoolroom. 

It is quite near the Centre School house, where from the 
liberty pole floats the star-spangled banner; and the old 
church of the fathers has been used for as great a variety of 
uses as any other building, besides enjoying a green old age 
indicative of further usefulness. 

It is doubtful if there is another schoolroom in the State 
where scholars assemble that has attained the age of this. 
Here scholars have thought for themselves. Some who have 
been but little at school have studied elsewhere. Years ago 
one of the committee, in making remarks to the school, 
used to state that all the books he studied at school were 
the Psalter and the spelling book. One of the nicest pen- 
men I ever knew declared that he never wrote but a single 
sheet of paper, except what he did for himself; and yet 
he has blessed thousands with his writing schools and in 
other ways. 

Those who left these schools have found their ways into 
others and graduated with distinction. Even the one who 
studied but the Psalter and spelling book represented this 
town in no uncertain way, and his children, grandchildren, and 
their children have been an honor to the town from which 
they sprung. 

When the Academy at Bradford was opened, it will be re- 
membered it was founded for both sexes, but now the ladies 
have taken sole possession of it. For many years Lynnfield 
furnished samples of her ambitious youth. For instance, Capt. 
John Perkins, Rev. Jacob Hood, Mary M. Bancroft, and 
others might be mentioned. Then there are others of a gen- 
eration later who have graduated from the normal schools, and 
we could instance a family of four at one time, — a quartet of 



42 HISTORY OF THE TONATST 

teachers surely. Lynnfield always furnished a large quota of 
teachers as far back as the memory of man or woman run- 
neth, and perhaps as good as the average. Mrs. Emily P. 
Coney, for many many years an excellent teacher in the public 
schools in Chelsea and other places, was school committee till 
she declined a re-election. Mrs. E. W. Oilman, wife of Judge 
Gilman, faithfully served for years, even while she was teach- 
ing in Boston ; and now we have one thoroughly interested in 
education at the present time in the efficient person of 
Mrs. Hattie F. Russell. Nor must we omit an item here, al- 
though it has no application as we are aware to any of the 
three instances of school committee just mentioned, but cer- 
tainly extends back a century. It is this, that a remarkable 
number of ladies, after having taught school for longer or 
shorter terms, have consented to marry the members of the 
school committees, and live and die, for better or worse, in this 
town ; and we once heard a bachelor aver that when he wished 
to be married, if he found a " hill of difficulty " in the way, 
he would coax the town to put him in as school committee, 
and he seemed to think the point was gained. 

A list of the committees of the schools embraces most of 
those competent for the office, and one of the teachers who 
have served our public schools, sowing the seed that sprung up 
in after years) proved to be one who has since had his 
$500,000 to give away at a time. It would show the scien- 
tific farmer, the military man whose name has a handle to it, 
the minister, and his "better half" too, besides many a lady 
well known in these parts. Lynnfield has no high school, but 
years ago she generously offered to transport scholars who 
might wish to go out of town, and last year nearly a dozen 
responded to tiie call. 

The report for schools of 1881 was remarkably concise. 

We hope that this good old town will in the future as much 
as in the past be the patron of education, and that its scholars 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 43 

may honor it, its schools, and themselves as much as those 
have in days of yore. 

" Close by the church spire stands the school." 

SCHOOL COMMITTEES. 

Daniel Mansfield, 1814, 181 6, 181 7, 181 8, 181 9, 1820. 

Elias Richardson, 18 14. 

Col. Joel Hewes, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1821. 

Col. Matthew Cox, 181 5. 

Hon. Asa T. Newhall, 1815, 1821. 

Capt. Ebenezer Hart, 18 15. 

Herbert Richardson, 181 5. 

Daniel Needham, Esq., 181 6, 1817, 181 8, 1821. 

John Bryant, 18 19, 1820, 1821. 

Dea. Oliver Emerson, 18 19, 1822.' 

Samuel Wiley, 1820. 

Benjamin Cox, 1820. 

Joshua Hewes, 182 1. 

Bowman Viles, Esq., 1821. 

Capt. Henry Bancroft, 1822. 

Capt. John Upton, 1823, 1829, 1830, 1838. 

Gen. Josiah Newhall, 1823, 1825, 1827, 1828, 1838, 1839, 
1840, 1841, 1843, 1844, 1846, 1852, 1853, 1858, 1859, i860, 
1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866. 

Col. Joel Hewes, 1823, 1825, 1827. 

Rev. Joseph Searle, 1824, 1825, 1826, 1827. 

Hon. Asa T. Newhall, 1823, 1825, 1826, 1830, 1833, 1S34, 
1836. 

Col. Matthew Cox, 1825, 1830, 1837. 

Daniel Needham, Esq., 1823, 1825. 

Rev. Mr. Jones, 1824. 

Benjamin Wiley, 1826. 

John Bryant, 1826. 



44 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

David Needham, 1826. 

Dea. Oliver Emerson, 1826, 1834, 1841, 1849, 1850, 
1856. 

Rev. Warren Emerson, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830. 

Dea, John Perkins, 1827, 1828. 

Andrew Mansfield, Esq., 1827, 1829, 1830, 1832, 1833, 
1842, 1847, 1848. 

Wright Newhall, 1827. 

John Aborn, 1830. 

Bowman Viles, Esq., 1830, 1833, 1836. 

Joshua Hawkes, 1831, 1834. 

Rev. Reuben Porter, 1831. 

Rev. Mark Staples, 1831. 

William Perkins, 1831, 1832, 1835, 1836. 

Daniel Mansfield, 1832, 1837, 1853. 

Joshua Hewes, Esq., 1832, 1839, 1840, 1842. 

Moses Richardson, 1831. 

Jacob Wiley, 1832, 1834. 

Edward Upton, 1834, 1835. 

Rev. Joseph Hill, 1835, 1836. 

Rev. John Bailey, 1835. 

George F. Whittredge, 1835. 

Thomas B. Newhall, Esq., 1836. 

Oliver Emerson, Jr., 1837. 

Capt. Henry Bancroft, 1838. 

John Perkins, Esq., 1839, 1840, 1843, 1S44, 1S47, 1848. 

Willard Wiley, 1842, 1845, 1847. 

John Danforth, Jr., Esq., 1841. 

William E. Cox, 1843, 1844. 

William A. Whittredge, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1848. 

P. St. M. Andrews, 1845. 

Dea. William Smith, 1849, 1850, 1851, 1852, 1853. 

Benjamin U. Preston, 1849, 1850, 1851. 

Joseph Hart, 1815. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 45 

Samuel N. Newcomb, 1853. 

Israel A. Parsons, 1852, 1853, 1861, 1862. 

Rev. Ariel P. Chute, 1854, 1855. 

Rev. U. W. Condit, 1854, 1855. 

Rev. Luther Walcott, 1854, 1855. 

David A. Titcomb, 1856, 1857. 

James G. Perkins, 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859, i860, 1861. 

Israel A. Parsons, Jr., 1857, 1858, 1859. 

Joseph Smith, i860. 

Ebenezer Parsons, 1862. 

James Hewes, 1863, 1864, 1865. 

Henry E. Smith, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866. 

Rev. M. Bradford Boardman, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869. 

Chas. W. H. Coney, 1867. 

George L. Hawkes, 1867, 186S, 1S69. 

Jeremiah Coney, 1868. 

Alfred Wiley, 1869. 

Rev. Jacob Hood, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874. 

Albert Mansfield, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875. 

Emily P. Coney, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874. 

Rev. D. B. Scott, 1875. 

Dea. George E. Herrick, 1875, 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879, 
1884, 1885, 1886, 1888, 1890, 1891. 

Joseph S. Moulton, 1876, 1877. 

Francis P. Russell, 1876. 

Henry Danforth, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880. 

Andrew Mansfield, 1878, 1879, 1880. 

Warren Newhall, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 
1891. 

E. W. M. Gilman, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884. 

Benjamin T. Brown, 1881, 1882, 1886, 1888. 

Albert E. Copeland, 1885. 

W.J. Munroe, 1886, 1891. 

Ebenezer Parsons, 1890. 



46 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Oscar I. Stowell, 1890, 1892, 1893, 1894. 

J. Winslow Perkins, 1892. 

George M. Roundy, 1892. 

Hattie F. Russell, 1893, 1894. 

Annie L. Stevens, 1893. 

George H. S. Driver, 1894. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 47 



CHAPTER IV. 
Annals, 1635-1700. 

Then these broad vales and quiet hills 

Responded to the piercing cry 
Of wolf or wild-cat ; at these rills 

Drank trembling fawns, so coy and shy. 

Forests with thick, umbrageous gloom 
Spread far and wide, wild fruits matured 

Unplucked by man ; the choice perfume 
Of flowers no human foot allured. 

The hawk and raven built their nest 

Unscared; the timid fish, uncaught, 
Swam the deep pools ; and Nature dressed 

In pristine garb, with grace untaught. 

Looked queenly in the eye of Heaven. 

Lowly and sweet the anthem then 
At blush of morn or calm of even. 

Along each winding stream and glen 

Stretch groves of pale, deciduous trees; 

The slopes are crowned with evergreen; 
No woodman's axe hath humbled these, 

No vandal's touch had marred the scene. 

Rev. E. R. Hodgman. 

In the Journal of Mr. Obadiah Turner, one of the legacies 
of James R. Newhall, the eminent historian of Lynn, is a 
chapter recounting a journey " afar into ye wildernesse " to the 



48 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

west and north of Lynn which describes the country so 
vividly that it is here copied entire : — 

" 1630 Julie ye 28. On ye last 4th day some of vs did goe afar into 
ye wildernesse towards ye river on the west and thence about by ye hills 
on ye north. And this we did that we might discover what ye land and 
productions of this our heritage might be. We found valies of mighty 
trees of such kinds as Old England is a stranger too. And wee made sore 
our feet by ye climbing of hills among rocks and thornie brambles and 
vines. Great store of wild berries were on every hand. Among them 
were many black shining berries as big as ye pills of ye apothecaries and 
these berries be of sweete milde taste and grow in clusters on low bushes 
with light green leaves without thornes. 

" Wee did pluck some and found them savory to eat in fire cakes and did 
think them apt for puddings. Then there were found other large shining 
berries growing on creeping vines of most lucious taste, and we did eat 
all till our mouths were black as ye chimney back. 

" As wee journied we did sometimes see skulking about among ye trees 
what we conjectured to be Indjans or Devils! jt patent yt ye great foe of all 
God his people hath already begun to harrass and plague this godlie com- 
pany. But we do expect to have over from Nehumkeage a big ordinance 
whereby to defend ourselves from ye one and some godlie bookes and cat- 
echisms to fortifie against ye other And God being on our side wee feare 
not what Indjans or Devils can doe. 

" In a vallie wee found a small store of corn growing wch wee did conjec- 
ture belonged to ye savages. And a little way off we did see some fruits 
growing whereof wee knew not ye name or use, but did surmise they were 
all for food. But we saw none watching thereabouts and no habita- 
tions. 

" Of wild animals wee spied but a few But we heard jt terrible 
roarings as if there were bears or unicorns away off in ye wildernesse 
or may be they were wild asses or Devils seeking to devour God his 
people. 

" We did see some reptiles and serpents and two we saw had rattils in 
their tails wherewith they made a strange whirring noise much like ye 
nose of ye night watch in London only not so mightie a rattill. 

" Of birds wee saw great store. Some eagles and hawkes and manie of 
wch wee knew not ye names. But we are of a truth in a paradise of 
those moving things yt be good for food. 

" In ye woodes in ye pondes and on ye seashore wee have multitudes of 
fowle fish and game most savory to ye appetite and healthy for ye 




JONATHAN BRYANT. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 49 

stomach. Ye Israelites fared less dantilie than we wherefor praised be 
God. 

" It was somwhat within ye night when we came in sight of home. In 
coming over ye hillock nigh ye doore of our habitation I discried adaintie 
white rabbit as yt seemed wch I deemed would make a savory dish for 
breakfast on ye morrow. Giving chase I was soon almost upon him, 
when lo he whisked up a bushy tail over his hinder parts and then threw 
jt towards me with a mightie rush ! and jt shed upon me a liquor of such 
stinke jt nothing but ye opening of ye bottomless pit can equal. My eyes 
& my breath seemed stopped forever. When I recovered ye smell re- 
mained upon me insomuch yt they would fain drive me from ye house say- 
ing yt they could not abide within while I remained. And I still carry jt 
about with me in a yet terrible degree. I am parsuaded yt this is another 
device of Satan yt fourfooted beast being an impelet to do ye Devil his 
baptism by sprinkling." 

1635, The first record that relates to the territory we are 
now studying may be found in the Colonial Records, which 
inform us "There is 500 acres of land and a fresh pond with 
a little island containing about two acres, granted to John 
Humphrey, 'Esq., lying between north and west of Saugus, 
provided he take no part of 500 acres within five miles 
of any town now planted. Also it is agreed that the In- 
habitants of Saugus and Salem shall have liberty to build 
four houses upon the said Island and to lay in such provis- 
ions as they shall judge necessary for their use in tyme of 
needed 

This grant, the reader will see, was at the pond now known 
as Humphrey's Pond, or Suntaug Lake. Mr. John Humphrey 
died in 1661, and his administrators, one of whom was Joseph 
Humphrey, claimed the five hundred acres in Lynnfield, which 
had to be given them by the Court, although it had never been 
occupied by the owner. 

1637. "March 13. Lynn was granted six miles into the 
country and Mr. Hawthorne and Lieut. Davenport to see how, 
and inform how the land lyeth, beyond whither it be fit for 
another plantation or no." This grant was given to Lynn, as 



5© HISTORY OF THE TOWTST 

the people had not sufficient room, and petitioned to the 
General Court for more. The Court afterward ordered that 
the Indians should have satisfaction for their right at Lynn. 
The reader will see that the six miles into the country included 
the territory now called " Lynnfield." 

Plymouth had been settled but seventeen years, Salem not 
ten, and Reading, including what is now AN'akefield, was not 
granted to Lynn for seven years after. Lynnfield was prob- 
ably immediately settled by citizens of Lynn and some from 
Salem, and the boundary line of the two towns met in Hum- 
phrey's Pond. 

Within five years from 1637 many families had removed 
here, mostly from the mother town of Lynn. 

The centuries roll and pass away, 
Soon night succeeds each fleeting day, 
But let us turn our wondering eyes. 
And seek a former sun and skies. 

Backward turn two hundred sixty years, 
See how this place to us appears. 
Before the white man settled here, 
In scenes now to us so dear. 

The hills stood firm, the valleys wild 
Like Nature's parks for Nature's child. 
Few towns were settled far or near, 
To shield the coming one or lull his fear. 

Old Lynn to the south the picture fills, 
With ocean grand and porphyry hills; 
Salem east, with its peaceful name. 
Before its renowned East India fame. 

Boston is sleeping yet away 
» Through rivers deep; its hills are gray, 

And birds and beast the forest roam, 
Where now is found many a happy home. 



OE LYNNFIELD, MASS. 5 I 

The woods were still, trails were rough, 
Indeed, to-day there's still enough, 
Right here, where came the men of God, 
Right here, where our feet since have trod. 

But we know the white man's foot has come. 
And seen the landscape of our home, 
One grant upon the records make. 
Five hundred acres, and the silver lake. 

We love to find, and point, and trace 
Each welcome, fond, familiar place. 
To tread in the steps they once trod 
Who calmly rest beneath the sod. 

1638. It is recorded that a terrible earthquake took place 
this year, the first since the country was settled. 

Let us try to think of the home that welcomed the first 
colonists here. When they arrived, think of the contrast 
presented at the present time. Above their heads were the 
tops of trees, centuries old, woven and twined together. No 
street, nothing but Indian trails wound under their dense 
foliage, which was so thick that scarcely any underbrush could 
cumber the ground. The mighty oak, the towering pine, the 
graceful elm, and many another species served to form the 
arches of Nature's cathedral, while it was carpeted with the 
thick, rustling leaves that fell from the branches above. 
Where now are open fields were once dense forests, and vice 
versa. The rivulets, some large, some small, passed un- 
checked to the sea but a few miles away. But a few white 
people lived on the continent, and these were strangers, 
separated by magnificent distances with impassable ways. No 
sound of the locomotive was heard, and the roar of the water 
and the deep woods was the nearest resemblance of it. The 
beautiful wild flower bloomed in silence, or the trailing vine 
clambered over the rock in solitude. The berries and nuts 



52 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

of the woods were ungathered from year to year, except by 
the squirrel and bird, who found enough and to spare. 
Everything was new and untried, and they certainly deserve 
the " meed of praise " who laid the foundations for such com- 
fortable, pleasant homes, and for their wonderful patience 
and uncomplaining toil. 

Previous to this time probably the foot of the white man 
had never crossed its surface, except Mr. Humphrey's land 
and a little beyond. 

Till this time it had been the residence of the red man and 
wild beast. Here the son of the forest was born, lived, and 
died, and was buried on the sunny sides of these hills with his 
war implements placed around him ; here he sang the war 
song, smoked the pipe, hunted the forest, and worshipped the 
Great Spirit. Here the black-haired, high-cheek-boned, 
large- shouldered, brawny-armed son of the forest dwelt, while 
the squaws raised the corn, melons, beans, etc., and sang to 
the papooses, or arrayed themselves in wampum, beads, 
feathers, and skins, with the waters of the lake for a looking- 
glass and the forests for a flower garden or the hillsides for a 
lawn, with the smoke of their wigwams curling among the 
valleys, where they cooked the hasty pudding or corn cake, or 
roasted the meats which had been caught in traps or shot with 
the bow and arrow. 

But the poor Indian has gone to the silent land, leaving 
that behind him which reminds us of what we have heard of 
the primitive sons of the land, - — the streams, the woods, 
Indian corn, with various Indian names ; and now and then we 
meet a person whose gait and features at least make one think 
of him. It is said that in 1633 the smallpox swept off the 
Indians in great numbers ; whole towns were depopulated, 
and so great was the epidemic that the living were unable to 
bury] the dead, so that they were found years after above the 
ground. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 53 

The Indians once had a trap at the north part of the town 
and another in what is North Reading. The former was 
called " trap below," and the latter " trap above," and when 
the houses were first built in these neighborhoods they were 
called by the names of the traps. The place where the wolf 
pits were is still recognized. 

In all the years p issed since the beginning of the settlement 
to the present, relics of the Indians have been found in the 
fields where they roved and more particularly the streams 
near which they lived. No doubt many a string of wampum 
has been collected by them from the shores in this place, and 
there are pestle s, gouges, sinkers, multitudes of arrow-points, 
etc., which can be shown to attest the Indian's footprints. 

Over the line in Middleton lived Will, whose grave is still 
pointed out. The brook at the eastern part of the town is 
named for him, and all along its banks have been found the 
stone relics above mentioned. Many years ago a tortoise 
made of stone, of beautiful workmanship, was found, which was 
supposed to be an Indian idol, and is probably in existence 
at the present time. 

Many large stone relics have also been gathered near the mill 
and on Saugus River, and an Indian legend of Saugus River 
we copy from one of the historians of Lynn, J. R. Newhall : — 

" The Indians gravely informed the settlers that when the Great Spirit 
had got the earth nearly prepared for its garniture he happened to be 
walking around one fine morning somewhere up at the north and espied an 
enormous serpent basking in the sun among some spare bowlders. Seizing 
one of the bowlders of many tons weight he hurled it at the monster- 
Unluckily the aim was imperfect and the serpent started with great speed for 
the ocean. His assailant however rapidly followed, dealing a blow whenever 
within reach, and it was only by exercising all his powers of speed and 
cunning, sometimes dodging back between the legs of his pursuer and some- 
times gUding to the right or left, that he was finally able to reach the sea. 
The earth not then having quite hardened, the serpent's body sank somewhat 
and thus was plunged the tortuous channel of Saugus River." — J. R. N. 



54 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

One of Lynnfield's sons thus writes : — 

But time with dusky wings has flown 

Across the red man's way, 
Has clouded all his brightest hopes, 

And left no cheering ray. 

The forest falls beneath the stroke 

That sounds her children's knell, 
And furnace fires and anvil-blows 

Disturb the silent dell. 

The rivers, once so free and gay, 

Obey the white man's will. 
And patient bear the laden keel 

Or turn the busy mill. 

Now stately buildings proudly raise 

Their beauty towards the sky, 
Where once the peaceful wigwam stood 

With brooklet bal)bling by. 

How sadly toward the western wave 

The Indian winds his way ! 
And dazzling in the papoose face 

The evening sunbeams play. 

Wakrkn Newiiall. 

The first inhabitants found plenty of game, with which the 
woods and waters abounded. The spontaneous productions 
of the soil were abundant, but have grown less year by year. 
Here were the bear, moose, wolf, fox, raccoon, woodchuck, 
skunk, martin, hare, rabbit, siiuirrel, mole, mouse, the beaver, 
muskrat, mink, otter, goose, gull, crane, eagle, woodcock, (juail, 
whip-poor-will, crow, hawk, owl, blue jay, snowbird, partridge, 
woodpecker, bobolink, blackbird, lark, snipe, pigeon, swallow, 
tlirush, yellowbird, catbird ; for snakes, the rattle, striped, 
green, black, and water ; for fishes, trout, pickerel, eel, 
perch, pout, shiner, and sucker ; and for insects, grasshopper, 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 55 

beetle, wasp, cricket, butterfly, hornet, mosquito, ant, spider, 
flies, moth, worms, and bugs. 

We think part of an ancient poem written by Gov. Brad- 
ford, of Plymouth, as applicable to this place as to the home 
of the Pilgrim Fathers : — 

"All sorts of grain, which our own land doth yield, 
Was hither brought, and sown in every field, 
As wheat and rye, barley, oats, beans, and pease. 
Here all thrive, and they profit from them raise 
All sorts of roots, and hirbs in gardens grow. 
Parsnips, carrotts, turnips, or what you'll sow. 
Onions, melons, cucumburs, radishes. 
Skirrets, beets, coleworts, and fair cabbages. 
Here grows fine flowers many and mongst those 
The fair white lily, and sweet fragrant rose. 
Many good wholesome berries here you'll find. 
Fit for man's use, almost of every kind. 
Nuts and grapes of several sorts are here, 
If you will take the trouble them to seek for." 

The first settlers had few of the comforts which we their 
descendants enjoy. Theirs were rough, unfinished, un- 
painted dwellings with steep roofs. They had no carriages 
as used now. A man and his wife, with a pillion, would 
ride for miles together on a single horse and perhaps carry 
a child. Sleighs were used before wagons, but they were 
so rough and heavy and such untasteful affairs that many a 
poor child would exclaim " orful " at the very vehicles in 
which our forefathers and foremothers took all the comfort 
imaginable. 

The first chaises were quite different from nowadays, 
being actually lined with brick to keep them from being blown 
over, it is said. 

Books were very scarce, and many a man's library might be 
almost put in a hat. Newspapers were not published in the 
country. 



56 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Things were very economically used in these primitive 
times. A Bible worth a hundred dollars could now be bought 
for five. The inside could be read. The fly leaves were 
sometimes used for a journal, and the leather cover was often 
used as a razor strop till it was an irreverent-looking volume. 

Land was cheap. Not far from the cider mill are twenty- 
five acres of land which were once bought for five pistareens 
($i) and two gallons of molasses. It was sold near the be- 
ginning of this century for ten dollars, and a few years ago 
four thousand dollars' worth of wood was cut from a part of it. 

Stoves were unheard of and unthought of, and the first one 
brought to town was as much of a curiosity as St. Paul's 
Cathedral. 

Money was scarce, and articles and provisions were ex- 
changed for each other ; even ministers' salaries, a part of 
them, were paid in articles of home consumption. 

The Sabbath was observed with greatest strictness. People 
were not allowed to ride fast, or visit from place to place, 
and every man was expected to go to meeting at least four 
times a year. 

Nearly every family was ponderous, the small ones being 
the rare exception. 

The colonists were governed somewhat in the matter of 
dress by the General Court. As early as 165 1, it prohibited 
all persons whose " estate did not exceed two hundred pounds 
from wearing any gold or silver lace, or any bone lace above 
two shillings per yard." It also sounds remarkable to think 
that selectmen were notified to " see what persons wore costly 
apparell especially of ribbands and great bootes, as well as silk 
or off any hoods or scarfs." 

Many an humble family of these times possesses common arti- 
cles which two hundred years ago would have been luxuries of 
untold value, and many of the first families of that time practised 
economies that now would almost raise a shriek of persecution. 









•»--wii«er=:frr 



■\ 




♦ T» . t 'j 'v, 






OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 57 

But no one had to ask, "Who is my neighbor? " for they 
were bound together, and one helped another, and there was 
not the cause for rivalries of the present time. In this respect 
they had the advantage of nowadays, when one knows not 
the other, and, what is more, does not wish to. 

1 66 1. This year Mr. John Humphrey, who was the first 
grantee of the land in this town, died, and perhaps a short 
sketch maybe proper in this place, — although he never settled 
here, — which we glean from several sources. " He was born in 
Dorchester, England, and possessed a good education besides 
an excellent reputation. His wife was Susan, the daughter of 
Thomas Earl of Lincoln, who after she came to this country 
longed to return to her former home. Mr. Humphrey came 
to this colony in 1634, and held many important offices in it. 
The year that he died, his administrators, Joseph Humphrey 
and Edmund Batters, claimed his properly in this town, con- 
sisting of the 500 acres of land and fresh pond which were 
given him years before by the Court. He had six children 
and a large estate." 

A part of the five hundred acres — more than one third of 
it — was owned afterwards by Joseph Newhall, who was known 
as Ensign. It was called the "Pond Farm," his homestead 
lying to the southeasterly, the lake being the northern bound- 
ary of the land known as the Pond Farm. 

Could Mr. Humphrey or Ensign Newhall revisit the lake, 
or even some of the owners since their time, what would they 
say at the changes that have occurred in the lapse of time ? 
Perhaps the pond might still wear much of its beautiful pristine 
appearance, but its surroundings have greatly changed, and if 
a traveller of 1635 and 1895 should meet there we can im- 
agine the conversation in part. 

1663. The sawmill on Saugus River between Wakefield 
and Lynnfield was built this year. It was owned by John 
Poole, who lived on what is now the Cox estate. 



58 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

The first bridge over the river was not built till sixty-four 
years after, in i 737, by the two towns of which the river was 
the boundary. 

1664. It is said that a comet appeared this year, lasting 
more than three months. 

1670. This year potatoes were introduced into this part 
of the country, and a man having a bushel did not know what 
to do with them ; not the case at the present time, when they 
form so important a part of food not only for man but beast. 

1672. This year Thomas Wellman died, one of the earliest 
settlers of Lynn End ; his wife's name was Elizabeth. 

1675. This was the year of the Bloody Brook disaster, 
which happened at South Deerfield, on the i8th of September, 
and which was, it was said, the saddest day that ever befell 
New England. The historian Palfrey says : " The company 
of ninety picked men led by Capt. Lothrop, and but seven 
or eight at the utmost, escaped the savages who were be- 
lieved to be not fewer than 700. Lothrop was shot dead 
early in the action. He was a godly and courageous com- 
mander, but valor so beset was unavaiUng. One of the Eng- 
lishmen was stripped and left for dead, after being first 
wounded by a musket and then by a tomahawk, and yet he 
escaped. Another forced his way through with his musket, 
with which he laid about him till one arm after the other 
was broken. The dead were all buried in one grave, now 
covered with a memorial stone which arrests the traveller's 
attention on the side of the highway in South Deerfield. This 
was at Bloody Brook." Such is the brief story of the company 
known as The Flower of Essex, the men belonging to this 
part of the State. How many went from here we know not, 
but we do know Stephen Wellman, of what is now Lynnfield, 
was killed with the others. 

1678. The Charlestown farm has been a noted land- 
mark in this place for more than two centuries. The first par- 



OF lA'NNFIELD, MASS. 



59 



sonage stood upon a part of it that was exchanged by the 
town of Charlestown and the parish at Lynn End in 1732. 

The farm was owned by Richard Russell, Esq., and left by him 
for the use of the poor of Charlestown, Feb. 26, 1678, and 
confirmed by his executor, David Russell. It is said that the 
selectmen of Charlestown used always once a year to come 
out and spend the day upon it. 

1688. The following persons subscribed the sums affixed 
to their names to build the new meeting-house at Reading, 
now Wakefield, they all being residents of Lynn End, now 
Lynnfield. 



John Pearson . 
Maudlin Pearson 
Peter Haies . 
Abra'm Roberts 
Wm. Robbins . 
John Bancroft 
Hannaniah Hutcheson 
Benj. Hutchinson 
Edward Hutchinson 
Isaac Hart 
Daniel Gowing 
John Gowing . 
Capt. Tho. Bancroft. 
Daniel Eaton . 
Abr'm Well man 
Isaac Wellman 
Robert Bates . 
John Poole 
Shuball Stearns 
Timo. Hartshorne , 
Robert Gowing 
Nath'l Gowing . 



£ 


s. 


d. 


6 


12 





I 


10 





I 


15 





I 


10 





I 


00 





3 








I 


10 





I 








2 


10 





10 








I 


10 





2 








5 








2 


9 








13 








19 





I 


5 





7 


I 


6 





10 





1 








3 


1 





I 


19 






6o HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

£ s. d. 

Edw'd Marshall . . . . 2106 
John Townsend . . . . 200 
Geo. Lewis . . . . . 200 

Tho. Aelwell [Illegible.] 

1692-93. By a law of the Province enacted at this time to 
warn all strangers to leave town, if it were not given within 
three months then they were citizens, and if they became 
sick or poor the town must aid them. Great care was taken 
that the laws should be complied with, as all town records 
of that time amply prove. If any person warned failed to 
depart within two weeks, he was waited upon out of town by 
the constable or his order. A tradition of witchcraft still 
lingers as a souvenir of the sad times of 1692. It is said that 
Mrs. Samuel Hart, of the east part of the town, whose name 
was Sarah Endicott, a near relative of Gov. John, was seized 
as a vvitch and lodged in Salem jail. 

One morning her daughter arose and said, " I am going to 
see mother to-day, and bring her home with me." Her friends 
said sadly, "Oh, no !" She went to Salem, and word had ar- 
rived from England that there should be no more executions, 
and her mother came home with her. The precinct had the 
year before lost by death one of its prominent men. The 
country was new, and sad was the state thereof. Giles Corey, 
who lived in West Peabody, near the Lynnfield line, and whose 
landed estate was about a couple of miles from what is now 
the centre of Lynnfield, had been pressed to death ; the sad 
time in Salem Village, now Danvers, almost in sight of this 
place, and but a few miles away, so that the fresh news could 
be brought from Salem, — all this, and more, not knowing 
where the dreadful delusion might end or who would fall a 
victim, — what a load must have been lifted from every hea7't 
as well as Hart when it ceased ! 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 6 1 



CHAPTER V. 
Annals, 1700-1800. 

1 700. We have now passed on from the sixteenth to the 
seventeenth figures in our hamlet, and must look about us. 

1706. Lynnfield common lands were laid out in this 
year, the town being the second district of Lynn, which at that 
time was laid out in seven districts. 

We find the people busy the first part of the century in 
being set off from Lynn as a separate parish, or precinct, as it 
was called. Then came the building of the meeting-house 
and the settlement of the first pastor and formation of the 
church. Next the building of a parsonage for the under shep- 
herd. When this was done we find them at work improving 
their meeting-house ; and it is wonderful to see the faith and 
patience with which these pioneers labored, considering the 
obstacles they overcame. 

The first recorded step towards becoming a separate parish 
is as follows : — 

"Lynn Farms Precinct book, Book i. 
1711-1752. 

" Lynn January i6. 171 1. 
" Then ye inhabitants of Lyn-farms so called on ye north side of ye 
highway yt leads from Reading to Salem having had information yt part 
of our inhabitants are by part of Reading drawn in a petition with them 
for the building of a meeting house we then met together at the house of 
Capt Bancroft and agreed on a plan for setting a meeting hous near 
John Gowings where the ways meet and now apply ourselves to ye town 



62 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

that we may be a precint by ourselves. We then chose. Left. Pearson 
Left Pool mister John Cowing Capt Bancroft, Shoball Stearns a com- 
mittee to ye town on our behalf and they did then decide that ye bounds 
of ye precint should be as foloweth, begining at Saugust River so 
called between ye land of John Brintnalls and John Jeffries to ye land of 
John Hawks senior and ye bounds of ye land now in his possession to ye 
land of Isaac Larrebee which he bought of John Hawks and by said land 
to ye south west corner of ye third division of lotts and yt range line to be 
the bound to the town highway by Nathanel Newhalls." 

This was Lynnfield in the bud, as the request was granted, 
and ever after had its separate meeting-house, took care of its 
own highways, etc. 

1 7 1 5. The precinct set off and parish duly formed, we find 
them busy building their first house of worship, which is still 
standing, and which was the only public building for more 
than a half- century, and which has been considerably changed 
since that time, but contains the same stout, solid old frame 
of one hundred and eighty years ago. What a multitude 
of all conditions have in that time crossed its thresholds ! 
It is probable there was never public dedication of the 
building. For a description of it see "Old Meeting- House," 
Chapter III. 

1720. Lynn End Church this year gave a call to their 
first pastor, who had just graduated from Harvard, but who 
preached here considerably before, and whose wife was a 
native of the place. 

1 72 1, It seeins strange to us to read about these times of 
terrible snowstorms, earthcjuakes, and dark days. This year 
Cotton Mather speaks of "an horrid storm." 

1727. Prices were made by the towns on various com- 
modities. That of Lynn at date " was on grain of wheat at 
6^ barley and rye at 55- indian corn at 35- oats at is 6d per 
bushell Nov 22." 

1729. The following list of persons were assessed in the 
parish this year : — 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 



63 



Moses Aborn. 
Moses Aborn, Jr. 
Thomas Aborn. 
Samuel Aborn. 
Eben Aborn. 
Ensign John Bancroft. 
Dea. John Bancroft. 
Ebenezer Bancroft. 
Josiah Brown. 
John Bancroft, Jr. 
John DarUng. 
Benj. Chaplin. 
Peletiah Crocker. 
Dea. Wm. Eaton. 
Jeremiah Eaton. 
Joseph Eaton. 
Benj. Eaton. 
Widow Eaton. 
Lieut. Flint. 
Nath'll Gowing. 
Nath'U Gowing, Jr. 
Jonathan Gowing. 
Benj. Gowing. 
Ezekiel Gowing. 
Daniel Gowing. 
Daniel Gowing, Jr. 
Samuel Gowing. 
Thomas Gowing. 
Thomas Gould. 
Capt. Sam'l Hart. 
Thomas Hart. 
Samuel Hart. 
John Hart. 
Nath'll Hutchinson. 
Francis Hutchinson. 



Thomas Hutchinson. 
John Hawkes. 
Thomas Hodgman. 
Capt. Timothy Horn. 
Martin Herrick. 
Thomas Newhall. 
Ehsha Newhall. 
Samuel Newhall. 
Ebenezer Newhall. 
Daniel Newhall. 
George Nurse. 
Andrew Mansfield. 
James Pearson. 
Ebenezer Pearson. 
James Pearson, Jr. 
Samuel Parker. 
Samuel Potter. 
John Poole. 
Timothy Poole. 
Thomas Poole. 
William Perkins. 
Stephen Pepper. 
Benj. Pope. 
Samuel Pope. 
Shubael Stearns. 
Samuel Stearns. 
Nath'll Sharman. 
Daniel Townsend. 
John Williams. 
Thomas Wellman. 
Stephen Wellman. 
Abraham Wellman. 
Jonathan Wellman. 
John Wellman. 
John Woodward. 
Samuel Wasson. 



64 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

1 731. It was voted to build, or at least to procure, a par- 
sonage this year, Oct. 25. 

1737' This year a communion senace was presented to 
the church. The tankards were inscribed, "The GiftofCapt. 
Timothy Poole To ye Second Church of Lynn 1737," and six 
silver cups, " The Gift of ye Honourable Coll. Burrill Esq to 
ye Second Church in Lynn 1737." This service is still care- 
fully preserved, and a cut in this book shows its form and 
features. The basin is very large and heavy, and probably 
dates back to the first commencement of the church. We 
could wish it had been inscribed as the cups and tankards. 

1738. Some of the interesting names of places around here 
at this time were, the six hundred acres, Stone's Meadow, 
Bates Brook Slough, Beaver Dam, Charlestown Farm, Collins's 
Meadow and Wigwam Meadow, and the Meetiyig- House. 

1 75 1. This year the meeting-house was repaired, more 
probably finished, at a cost of forty-five pounds, which in- 
cluded clapboards and shingles. The old window frames were 
taken out and the new ones in their place were given by donors 
who received the old ones. Probably before this the windows 
were diamond glass in lead frames, which did not give enough 
light to overflood the house. 

1752. It was voted to give Mr. Samuel Angier a call to 
become the minister of the parish, Aug. 25, his salary to be 
sixty pounds lawful money, to provide keeping for three cows 
and one horse summer and winter, and twenty- five cords of 
good wood, cord-wood length, brought to his " dore." 

A new order of reckoning, by counting the 3d of Septem- 
ber as the 14th, was introduced into England at this date. 

1760. Paid for taking care of meeting-house and parson- 
age fences, iii'. 4 pence. (Parish Records.) 

1768. We transcribe two deaths from the Records of this 
year: "May 12, 1768 Died the Widow Elisabeth Sparhawk 
suddenly not so much as able to give the least account of 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 65 

what aild Her. July i, 1768, Died Stephen Wellman of a 
fall that broke his Silver Cord aged 54. " 

' 1770. Work was regulated at this time at two shillings per 
day. 

1 77 1. "On the ninth of January, Mrs. Rebecca Hadley, 
wife of Mr. Thomas Hadley, of Lynnfield, left her home to 
visit an acquaintance and did not return. On the twenty-sixth 
she was found drowned in the stream above the mill pond into 
which she probably fell in attempting to cross it."* 

1774. An interesting story of this time runs as follows: 
The Rev. Mr. Adams and family one morning were assembled 
in the sitting-room for family prayers while the breakfast 
was smoking on the table in the adjoining kitchen. A sim- 
ple man entered the back door, and seeing the food sat 
down at the table and ate an enormous meal. In a few 
moments one of the children came into the kitchen, and, 
perceiving the turn of affairs, ran and told her father. He 
asked the man why he was eating all of the victuals. The 
epicure turned one eye on the reverend gentleman and re- 
plied, " The good Book tells us to watch as well as to pray ; you 
did the praying, I the watching," at the same time shpping 
oUt of the back door with a well-filled stomach and leaving the 
family minus. 

1775. For items of this period see "Revolutionary War." 
Congress this year issued two hundred millions of dollars, 

which in a few years depreciated, to the sorrow of the 
ownefs. 

1 776. July 4. This day, never to be forgotten in the annals 
of American independence, when our country shook off" the 
shackles imposed by England. Who wonders that the day 
should be celebrated with the greatest enthusiasm? Who 
wonders the noble soldiers lived to be aged? Who doubts 

* History of Lynn. 



66 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

that the Ruler of the universe was pleased to spare them 
till the government they founded was established on a per- 
manent basis? Never may the day be forgotten till our glori- 
ous country is no more ! 

On the night of the 2d of October, Charles Riley, a travel- 
ler, died at the tavern before any one knew of it. 

1777. On Feb. 9, John, son of Benjamin Aborn, was 
scalded to death in the sixth year of his age. 

1778, Oct. 15. Voted by the precinct to raise ;^ioo for 
support of preaching. 

1780. The 19th of May is commonly called "the dark 
day," and is supposed by many to be the darkest day 
that ever visited the earth. It was so dark that fowls went 
to roost ; candles were lighted, as no one could see to read, 
and it is said that the darkness at night was very dismal. 
People became alarmed, thinking that the end of the 
world had come. One woman, speaking of it afterwards, 
said that she was washing at Rev. Mr. Mottey's, that she 
took her hands out of the suds never expecting to wash 
another rag. 

1783. The following sentence appended to Mr. Mottey's 
letter of acceptance of the invitation to become the pastor 
of the Lynnfield church will show the prices of that time : 
" The choice I have made of the several methods of support 
you have proposed is ^80 stated on Indian corn ^s. 4^/. rye 
at 4^^., beef at 3^/., pork at 4*^/. and twenty cords of wood annu- 
ally, and your parsonage in lieu of settlement." 

Aug. 4. The pound was built in 1783, by John Bancroft, 
for the sum of -£i 5 . 

1789. The powder house was built this year. 

1790, Copy of a certificate for marriage : — 

" Lynnfield July 5, 1790 
" I herby certyfy the intention of marrage between A and B 
of Lynnfield has been entered with me fifteen days, and law- 




GEO. E. BATCHELDER. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 67 

fill publication of their intentions made and no objection 
offered." 

1795- Swine were shut up this year for the first time. 
They had previously run at large. 

To form an idea of the customs about one hundred years 
ago, let us in imagination visit a dwelling as it appeared in 
those days. We pass through a piece of lowland where flows 
a brook. Across the stream are laid stepping-stones for foot 
passengers. The house, which is large, stands upon rising 
ground, and exactly faces the south, so that the "goodwife " 
can tell by the rays of the sun when it is twelve o'clock. 
Stretching in all directions are cart paths leading to every 
house within half a mile, which, by the way, are not many. 
Beside the dwelling lies a large pile of scraggy brush, 
which, with the barberry bushes near by, is in use for a 
clothes line, while behind these flows a clear, cold spring of 
water. 

Let us now enter the house and look around. Behind the 
door is a square place which we in these days should be at a 
loss to account for, and which is plainly called "the cat hole," 
for the convenience of the cat race. Straight before the front 
or " outer door," as it was called, is the cellar door; upon it 
is a monstrous wooden button, large enough for Goliath. 
Passing down three stone steps we come to the chimney ; three 
more to the right and as many to the left take us into separate 
cellars, which are so low if we are not careful we may get a 
Frankhn bump. (See life of Franklin.) 

The principal rooms on the first floor are the east and west 
rooms and back kitchen, all of great size, each of which con- 
tains a fireplace and brick oven in the chimney, which 
seems to possess an undisturbed right to the centre of the 
house. The fireplaces are nearly large enough for hermits' 
caves, with their hearths made of stone. Around the blazing 
fires which were built in them the families used to sit on 



68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

benches before the fire logs, which would burn for a week at a 
time, making bushels of coals, — excellent to roast potatoes, 
corn, and apples in. Let us peep into the east room first. In 
one corner stands a bed (feathers were plenty) ready for com- 
pany when it has been warmed with the warming-pan. In 
the opposite corner is the buffet, and its glass door is orna- 
mented with festoons of red pepper, while between them are 
peeping the glistening contents. Look at a part of the display. 
Here are six tiny teaspoons and three large ones of solid sil- 
ver, six china plates that two hundred years hence will be 
very valuable, as well as a china bowl, teacups and saucers, a 
teapot round (almost) as an apple, with birds flying, and bril- 
liant colored flowers sprinkled over them, and which are never 
brought into requisition except when company comes and the 
great round table is dragged from its resting place between 
the windows and loaded down with the good things the 
farmer's larder contains. The oaken floor is white and un- 
spotted with paint, having been sanded in waves to give it 
a crinkly appearance. Between the windows hangs the coat 
of arms which it is hoped some day may give a title to an im- 
mense ancestral estate in the mother country. But we have 
paused here long enough, so, bidding the chairs, of which there 
are as many as three kinds, good by, we step into the other 
room. 

Here the family live. A roaring fire is blazing on the 
hearth, where the teakettle is singing to the tune of old 
thousand, while upon one of the firedogs is a piece of meat 
roasting upon a spit, which can be easily turned by a child. 
Perhaps if we could rake open the coals we might find goodies 
equal to any age. In the corner is the milk-room for winter 
use. Beside it is the dresser with its shelves of pewter and 
wooden plates, platters, and earthen dishes, and near by is 
an eight-legged table ; next is a chair for the master of the 
house. The room is finished with boards to the top, with now 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 6g 

and then a beam visible. But let us look into the " back 
kitchen." This seems to be the repository for many things. It 
is unfinished. On a hook hangs a supply of candles for winter ; 
on a nail is a split broom and another made of hemlock. At 
one side of the room stands a cheese press, and beside it a 
churn ; under a wmdow is a bench, and beneath it are queer- 
looking culinary utensils ; on pegs are strings and sticks laid 
up for future use. Perhaps you may not want to pass up- 
stairs, see beds whereon are quilts made of a thousand pieces ; 
around are hung leather breeches, short gowns, etc. ; and a 
little search would bring forth shoe buckles, fantastic bonnets, 
high-heeled shoes, and many other things, as auctioneers say, 
" too numerous to mention." Then there is the garret with 
its little diamond panes of glass and lead sash, by the light of 
which we discover lots of herbs laid up for sickness. At 
some distance from the home stands the barn, a well-stocked 
country barn, with flocks of geese, hens, turkeys, etc. Near 
by it is the corn barn, and all around are the signs of thrift 
which belong to the farm. 

Let us glance at society as it existed in days gone by. 
First and foremost was the minister, .who was regarded as a 
superior being, almost an angel. When he was settled, it was 
expected by him and his people that with them was his first 
and last field of labor, that only death would remove him from 
them, and that in fact in their midst he would live, preach, 
die, and be buried. His ordination day was a great day, 
and was celebrated in a manner which showed plainly that it 
came but seldom. It was what would now be called a regular 
thanksgiving ; and the minister's funeral was equal to any- 
body's, — all the pomp and show possible. When he visited he 
was received with the most deferential respect, seated in the 
big chair, and treated with the very best the house of his 
parishioner afforded. When met on the street every one 
made his best bow or courtesied as low as possible. If there 



70 HISTORY OF THE TO\\'N 

was trouble in the parish he was sure to know it, and many 
times could settle it much better than a lawyer, as both parties 
were generally his friends. In short, the pastor knew the 
secrets of nearly the whole town. When a beef, a sheep, or 
a hog was slaughtered it was customary to send a nice piece 
to him, till sometimes he had enough and to spare. But this act, 
our readers are well aware, has become obsolete, and it is 
now openly asserted that lately imported breeds contain no 
minister pieces. 

Next came the doctor, who was thought to be Mr. Con- 
siderable. Being educated, he ranked among the first, and 
each town seemed to regard their M. D. as a little more skilful 
than others. In case of sickness, when the celebrated per- 
sonage was called (in toddy times), some brandy or other 
heater was freely partaken of ere prescriptions were made. 
But of course the physician, like other people, was not 
always the same. 

Then the deacons are entitled to a passing notice. They 
were generally from the first families, and ranked among the 
most wealthy, educated, and honorable in town. It used to 
be remarked that a man must raise a certain number of 
bushels of beans before he could be a deacon. Much 
counsel was asked of them in times of trouble. Most of them 
made a present to the church of which they were members. 
The old church in this town was the recipient of several 
favors of this class. Sometimes the deacon would be captain 
of a military company, and at his death fife and drum were 
beat to his grave. 

School teachers also stood high in the scale. Some of 
them taught from manhood to old age, and had great credit 
for making use of the birchen rod ; but we suppose no one 
believes that every school teacher was an ogre in disguise. 

Fearing the reader will be weary tracing the phases of life 
from the top rounds of the ladder, and as life was different in 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. ft 

different places, we must leave colonels, squires, majors, lieu- 
tenants, and lastly, though not leastly, farmers to write 
their own lives for posterity to study. 

It is perhaps needful that we say a word for the shoemaker. 
Once they were not as plenty articles as at the present, and no 
shoe store stood in their midst. A shoemaker used to go 
from house to house with bench and tools and make the shoes 
for the understandings of a whole family. Tailors or tailor- 
esses went out in the same way. 

The reader will see that this was before the period of 
" Women's Rights." 

The following lines, entitled " Bygone Years," are so plain 
we cannot refrain from placing them in this connection : — 

Back to the days of bygone years 

We turn our thoughts to the household joys 

Where to their meagre fare they welcomed 
Large additions of girls and boys. 

They believed in a woman's right 

To rock the cradle, sweep the room, 
Cook the food, brew the beer, spin the yarn, 

And fabricate it in the loom. 

To tend the garden, feed the pigs, 

Pick the geese, and milk the cows. 
Load the hay, rake after the cart 

And place the forkfuls on the mows. 

When they wanted recreation 

They improvised a spinning bee, 
And carrying their linen wheels 

Filled a neighbor's house with glee; 

Or they gathered with their cards, 

A neighbor's lot of wool to break, 
And deftly raised a snovv^ pile 

That would the household clothing make. 



72 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

There flax and wool were changed to yarn, 
And from one corner of the room 

From shuttle, lathe, and teasel, came 
The ringing clatter of the loom. 

Their fare was wheat and Indian bread, 
Pork, hominy, cabbage, and greens. 

Cucumbers, onions, lettuce, leeks. 

Beets, turnips, peas, squashes, and beans. 

Their flavoring condiments were 

Peppergrass, parsley, marjoram sweet, 

Caraway, garlic, fennel, and dill. 
With pepper and mustard for meat. 

They made glue, starch, and soap. 
Vinegar, sugar, beer, and dyes. 

Salves, bitters, conserves, and plasters, 
Inks, tonics, and washes for eyes. 

They set their milk in earthen pans 
And dipped it with wooden ladles, 

With onion stalks they blowed their fires. 
And rocked their babies in box cradles. 

With an axe, a shave, and a saw, 
A pod auger and burning iron. 

They made their ox-yokes, sleds, and carts. 
And whatsoe'er they chose to try on. 

They ringed their hogs and let them run. 
Yoked their geese and clipped one wing; 

They shod their hens with woollen cloth. 
And bled their cattle every spring. 

They talked of cattle, crops, and farms, 
Of logrolling, swamps, and ditches, 

Of lucky and unlucky days. 

Apparitions, signs, and witches. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 73 

Over the door on wooden pegs 

Rested a firelock stout and strong, 
With wads, flints, shot-pouch, powderhorn, 

And all else that to guns belong. 

One open dresser, rough and small. 

Held a brown mug, a liullet mould. 
Some wooden plates, bowls and spoons. 

And a dozen things all told. 

From beams above on wooden hooks, 

A row of smooth-peeled poles reposed, 
Graced with miscellaneous things, 

That want of drawer room disclosed. 

But when autumn's stores were garnered, 

And golden pumpkins did abound. 
Then to their use the poles were given, 

And filled with strips cut round and round. 

Roots, barks, catmint, and other herbs, 

Specifics for each of life's ills, 
In the garret were safely hung, 

To save expense of doctor's bills. 

A horseshoe that had service done 

Was firmly nailed above the door, 
Malicious witches to interrupt 

When they essayed to reach the floor. 

But when down chimney the elfins crept, 

And into the dash churn got, 
The cream no butter would make 

Until 'twas stirred with poker hot. 

Dear to them were churches and schools. 

The rights of God they respected, 
And would build houses of worship. 

Though worldly things they neglected. 



74 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

They went to church in heat and cold, 

And stood through prayers full half hour long, 

And sat through sermons double still. 

And sung God's praise in long-drawn song. 

Thus they labored and thus they prayed. 
To give religious freedom birth, 

And plant the noblest institutions 
That ever blessed our noble earth. 

Our comforts cost them lives of toil 

And years of plainest fare ; 
With grateful heart we here embalm 

The memory of their virtues rare. 



LIKE TO SEE AGAIN. 

To see again in the old-times way 

The meadows and pastures we knew. 
The hills and the vales, the rocks and trees, 

And the woods where the wild flowers grew. 

To lie once more in the thick, soft grass. 

With the sweet winds brushing by. 
The world outside, and the heart at peace, 

And above the summer sky. 

To watch the clouds in their shifting lights. 

And the mists on the distant hills. 
And dream to the music of rustling leaves 

And the voices of dancing rills. 

And wade once more in the cooling stream 

That wound by the roadside below, 
Where the wild rose bloomed and the eglantine, 

And the peppermint used to grow. 

Uncle Arthur. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 75 



LYNNFIELD HOTET,, 



This old hostelry was built in 1 804, by the old Nevvburyport 
Turnpike Company, who laid out the Newburyport Turnpike, 
which was finished at an expense of $420,000, in 1806. The 
hotel, ninety years old, was much better known than the town 
itself, and now nothing remains of the famous building but 
ruins. 

It was sold in 1832 to a -man by the name of Thomas 
Pingree, of Salem, when it was run by Landlord Chester for 
two years. Other proprietors were Noah Newhall, Asa & 
Theron Palmer, Capt. Smith, Charles Putnam, Mr. John 
Andrews, Messrs. Fisher & Sprague, and Samuel S. Bruce, 
beside others. 

Dr. Perley some years ago bought it and used it as a 
private residence till his death. It covered an area of about 
an acre and contained about sixty rooms. 

The street by it for half a mile was double width, and it 
was said was built by the company for the farmers to trot 
horses upon. So well was the building known that the 
village was called " Lynnfield Hotel " more commonly than any- 
thing else. 

With its French roof and its numbers of stories, it was 
the most imposing building perhaps in town. 

It has caught fire many times, but never proved serious till 
the night of March 7, 1894, when the fire caught in the kitchen. 
In an hour from the time it took fire everything was flat, 
although everything possible was done to save it. 'I'wo 
other hotels were built at the same time with this, one at 
Topsfield and one at Newburyport. We remember to have 
heard it said years ago that the cost of Lynnfield Hotel 
was $22,000 when built. No one was injured at the fire. 
The Siamese Twins made it their home in years gone by. 

At the time the hotel was burned an article appeared in 



76 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

the Salem paper, from which we copy the following facts : 
"In 1855 the place was leased to Messrs. Hill & Town- 
send. The house was kept at this time mostly for summer 
boarders, and was generally well filled. Among the families 
boarding there at this time were those of Mr. Henry Melius, 
Mr. Theodore Neal, and Henry Poor, of Salem. There were 
some wealthy Lynnites also who were frequent visitors, and 
who spent their money lavishly, and who no doubt enjoyed 
themselves accordingly. 

" In November, 1856, Jack (John) Saunders took the place. 
It was while the hotel was under his management that the 
military muster was held in Lynnfield. It is still remembered 
by the old residents as a reign of terror for the three days 
of its continuance. The hotel was converted into a veritable 
' gambling hell,' and every place in the vicinity which could 
be secured was turned into a den of infamy, and the place 
swarmed with the dissolute of both sexes. There was noth- 
ing occurring during the whole encampment of 1861-62 
that could compare with those three fearful days." 

" In the earliest days of the hotel a murder was said to have 
been committed there, and subsequently a ghost story was 
connected with the same. An old lady, long since dead, 
who had lived in the vicinity all her life, told the writer all 
the particulars of the affair, avowing her firm belief in the 
ghost part of it, as she knew of persons who lived at the 
hotel who had seen the ghost with their own eyes and had 
almost been frightened out of their senses. This old lady also 
stated that she knew the person who wore out the clothes that 
were supposed to have been taken from the body of the 
murdered man, and gave his name. Although the writer 
was inclined to feel a little sceptical about some parts of 
this narrative, he could not be positive that it was not 
true." 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 77 

The fire of the hotel was seen for many miles around, and 
was at once a source of joy and sorrow in the immediate and 
surrounding community, and the ruins still speak of what once 
was and is not. 

One survivor of the hotel is still in existence. In one of 
the halls of the Essex Institute of Salem is the ancient sign 
of eighty-three years ago. It has upon it a life-size picture 
of Gen. Washington handsomely painted. Above it it says, 
"Washington Hotel," and below, "T. Newcomb. 1812." 

Since bicycles have been the rage there were counted one 
Sunday around the building more than seventy-five of the 
articles resting for their owners. The last year of its exist- 
ence the sum of $1,500 was paid for license by Samuel S. 
Bruce to the town. 

A site for another hotel nearly opposite the former has been 
purchased on Broadway, and the foundations are all laid, the 
work being done in 1894. It is to be called the "New Lynn- 
field," so it is reasonable to suppose the town in the future 
will not lack this commodity. 

A muster roll of Capt. Daniel Needham's con)pany, May 
3, 1796: — 

Capt. Daniel Needham. 

Lieut. Ebenzer Hart. 

Ensign Amos Blanchard. 

Serg. Daniel Hart. 

Serg. Walter Smith. 

Drum James Putnam. 

Fifer Benj. Danforth. 

Fifer Thomas Woodward. 

RANK AND FILE. 

Ebenezer Aborn. Joseph Brown. 

Daniel Anabal. Nicholas Brown. 

Nath'l Adams. William Brown. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN 



Thomas Bancroft. 
Amos Butler. 
Timothy Brown. 
John Burnham, Jr. 
Thomas Dodge, Jr. 
Benj. Dole. 
Charles Emerson. 
Simon Francis. 
Theodore Flagg. 
Simeon Guilford. 
Nathaniel Gowing. 
Ezra Gowing. 
George Hart. 
Joseph Hart. 
Jacob Hart. 
John Holman. 
Joseph Jeffry, Jr. 
Ephraim Larribee, 3d. 
William Larribee. 
Levi Mclntire. 
William Mansfield, Jr. 
John Mead. 



David Newhall. 
Wright Newhall. 
Jacob Newall. 
Aaron Newhall. 
Daniel Newhall. 
John Orne. 
Samuel Putnam. 
John Perkins, Jr. 
William Perkins. 
Ebenezer Perry. 
Joseph Rand. 
Elias Richardson. 
Jeremiah Shelden. 
Eliab Shelden. 
Thad. Perry. 
Walter Smith, Jr. 
Asa Snow. 
Jonathan Tarbel, Jr. 
Joshua Tweed. 
Benj. Winn. 
Daniel Walton. 
Josiah Walton. 



I 
I 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 79 



CHAPTER VI. 
Cemeteries. 

THE SPIRIT OF THE OLD GRAVEYARD. 

She drooped her soft gray wings and smiled; 

" Your fathers bade me hold their dead 
' Until the Day should break, and till 

The shadows flee away ! ' " she said. 
" I hold my watch and ward till then. 

It may well be this dust shall lie 
Forever — garments dropped of clay, — 

The husks of wheat that needs must die. 
What if it be shot through with fire, 

The dross consumed with the whole earth, 
And all made beautiful and new — 

New and yet old — the heavenly birth ! 
Fear not that I shall sleep that Day ! 

Yea ! I shall know its Hght ! I know 

His winds — God's breath — through all the world, 

To winnow out the chaff, shall blow."' 

Mary A. Parsons. 

One town in this State contains no cemetery, but we be- 
lieve this is a solitary instance. The living die everywhere, 
so that our history would be very incomplete did we say 
nothing of the resting places of this town. The old grave- 
yard is a somewhat secluded place at the south side of the 
Common. It was first used early in the last century. Pre- 
vious to this time there was no public burial place in town, 
and here neath the pines, with walls covered with clematis, 
lie half a dozen generations of the " fathers of the hamlet." 



8o HISTORY or THE TOWN 

One and two hundred years ago these spots of ground were 
quite different from now. No walls enclosed them, and when 
an effort was made to do so the boundaries were hard to define. 
Over the graves horses, cows, and fowls were allowed to 
graze and roam at pleasure, and even the children could play 
there, as the first cemetery in town was behind the school- 
house. No beautiful trees, plats of ground, no flowers, and 
few monuments marked "their lowly bed." 

The dead were laid with a few simple rites in a simple 
coffin which had been borne tenderly, perhaps for miles, on the 
shoulders of friends and neighbors. We remember with hor- 
ror the look of the dead laid in a winding sheet or white robe, 
in a rude coffin hastily made, and contrast it with those of 
nowadays, but still do not doubt that in other days the heart 
was as sad as now, that love forgot not its dead any more than 
at the present, and the heart of the living yearned for some 
one who had lain down for the last time with a " silent oar." 

We could wish that more graves were marked, but when 
we see so many in 'just the same condition, and reflect 
that at present we do not have to send to England for these 
articles, we cannot but exclaim, " Well done ! " 

These many years upon this spot 

Our fathers and our mothers slept. 
Dear to us is their burial lot, 

In the heart of the town still kept. 
In the quiet let them rest, 
"The memory of the just is blessed." 

Every ancient settlement has its old burial ground. The 
most revered part of ancient Plymouth, except the rock, is 
the hill where the Pilgrims sleep. During the seventeenth 
century the inhabitants here were carried to rest in Lynn or 
in Wakefield before they had a ground of their own. The 
oldest stone in Wakefield was that of one of Lynnfield's first 
settlers. He was buried in what is now the park, and when 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 8 1 

the ground was ploughed and taken for other uses, his stone, 
with many others, was removed to what is now the old grave- 
yard in Wakefield, where it may still be seen. It is, as we have 
said, the oldest, and is in excellent state of preservation, and 
we wish it could be brought back here, where the one whose 
memory it cherishes died and where his descendants still live. 
The oldest place of sepulchres is at the south side of the 
Common. It was originally larger than at present, and an 
effort was made many years ago to get the land outside of 
the walls back to the former ground, but without effect. For 
many years it was open, and horses and sheep grazed upon 
its hillocks, and school children played on the new-made 
graves. It was probably laid out for a garden of the dead as 
early as the old meeting-house was built, and perhaps four 
or five years before. The first inscription to be found within 
its limits, although others may have settled away, is : — 

Here Lyes Burried 

Ye Body of Deacon 

John Pearson 

Who died June 

2 1 St Anno Domni 1728 

Aged 78 years. 

Near the centre of the ground where it is rising may be 
seen a thick, square, ancient-looking stone, which is that of 
the first pastor of Lynnfield church. At the right hand is 
that of his wife, Elizabeth, which has been rent in twain, 
while at the left is a small one to the memory of their son 
Nathaniel. The first mentioned reads as follows : — 

Here Lies Burried ye 

Body of ye Revnd Mr. 

Nathaniel Sparhawk 

Who Departed this 

Life May 7th Anno Dom. 

1732 in 38 year 

of his age. 



82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN j 

A little nearer the gate is the grave of the next pastor. M 

The stone is broken crosswise, lying on the ground, and it ^1 

was only after persistent effort years ago that the epitaph 
was made readable. 

Here lies Burried 

The Body of 

the Rev. Benjamin Adams 

Pastor of the Second 
Church of Christ in Lynn 
Who departed this Life 
May the 4th 1 777 in the 

58 year of his Age 

And 22d of his Ministry 

The memory of the just is blessed. 

This stone is that of a Revolutionary soldier : — 

John Upton 

died April 30, 1838 

aged 92 yrs. 

Sally 
wife of John Upton 3 

deposited on the right ^ 

died March 26, 1799 
aged 51 yrs. 



Hannah 

wife of John Uptoil* 

deposited on the left 

died Sept. 17, 1837 

aged 89 yrs. 

There are four marble stones, all bearing names of the Ban- 
croft family, and all erected in the early part of this century. 

Not far from the grave of Rev. Mr. Adams is that of Lynn- 
field's Revolutionary martyr. The epitaph is given in the items 
relating to that period. Probably no grave has been so well 



I 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 8^ 

known as his in this town, and none will ever be better re- 
membered. Near the western side is a grave whose stone tells 
us that an officer sleeps there : — 

Here lyes Intered 
the body of Capt 
Timothy Pool Esqr 
Deacon of ye 2nd Church in Lynn 

Who Departed this Life 
Feb. ye 28 Domni 1753 Mt. 50 yrs. 

Blessed are ye dead which die in 

the Lord from henceforth, yea saith 

the Spirit they rest from their labors 

and their, works do folow them Rev. 14, 13. 

Some of the epitaphs cannot be condemned on account of 
their great length, for instance : — 

Emily Orne Hall Aged 37 yrs. 

Of the physicians who sleep in the ground three have 
memorials whose stories are here transcribed : — 

Here lyes Hurried 
The Body of 
John Perkins Physician 
who departed 
this life 
Jan. 23, 1 781 in ye 
84 year of his Age. 

The next reads : — 

Here lyes the Body 

of Doctor John Ahorn 

who Departed 

this life November 

the 8th 1768 

in the 41st year 

of his age. 

The third has these words arched over it, " God is Just." 

Erected in memory of 

Dr. Benjamin Adams 

Obt. Jan. 16, 181 1, .-E. 53. 



84 



HISTORY OK THE TOWN 



In the same lot with Dr. Perkins one of the stones reads as 

follows : — 

In memory of 

Benjamin Perkins A. B. 

Who died on the 1 7th Nov. 

1809 

Aged 20 

Could genius science and virtue 

ensure length of days this stone 

had not been thus early marked 

As one enters the gate, in the first range of graves at the right 
he will notice seven stones marked with the name of " Mottey," 
three of which we shall here transcribe, all of which speak for 
themselves : — 

Sacred 

to the memory of the 

Rev. Joseph INIottey 

Pastor of the church of 

Christ in Lynntield 

who died July 9, 1821 

in the 66 year of his age 

& the 38th of his ministry 

lie was distinguished by 

a profound mind and was a 

learned faithful & Exemplary 

minister. 



Secondly : — 



This humble stone 
is here erected 
to perpetuate the name 
of 
an estimable woman 
who in giving life 
sacriliced her own 
Mrs Elizabeth Mottey 
consort of the Rev. Joseph Mottey 
died on the XXVII of August. 
Anno. MDCCLXXXIX 
Ai. XXXII. 




DAVID HEWES. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 85 

Thirdly : — 

Sacred 

to the memory of 

Mr. Charles Mottey 

son of Rev. Joseph Mottey 

who died at Salem 

July 19th 1804, on the 

morning after his arrival 

from a voyage to 

India after an absence 

of 12 months employed as 

clerk to the Capt of the ship 

Henry. 

At the opposite front corner, in a row, are nine tombstones 
bearing the name of Hawks. One of these, bearing the fol- 
lowing inscription, is somewhat remarkable : — 

In 

Memory of 

Mr John Hawks 

who died 

May 3: 181 1 

^t. 57 

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. 

Perhaps the reader will think there is nothing remarkable, 
but if he will look at the stone he will see it is a black slate 
nearly six feet in height, and there is not another like it in town. 

In the same lot we read Lois, wife of John Hawkes, died 
June 10, 1865, set. 79 years. She was the last interred in the 
ground. Probably the burials in this ground for the last forty 
years have not averaged one a year. There has been a number 
of times talk of removing this city of supulchres, but the fathers 
and mothers of the hamlet are still resting in this their chosen 
burial spot, " mid the peaceful shades," where the pine and 
clematis thrive, where we may read their names, such as 
Brown, Bancroft, Orne, Emerson, Danforth, Upton, etc. The 
front of this cemetery is enclosed with a massive granite wall 



86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

of Lynnfield rock, the same as all the cemeteries in town. 

There are many buried here whose graves are not marked. 

It is estimated that there have been one thousand persons 

buried here. 

They are sleeping, sleeping 

Mid the quiet glades 
On the western hillside, 

Where the sunset fades; 
But 'tis the casket only 
Fills the bed so lonely — 

God knoweth all. 

SOUTH BURYING GROUND. 

The next is the South burying ground. This is about a 
century old. In the front part, on the eastern side, enclosed 
in an iron fence, is the burial lot of the Newhalls, one of 
Lynnfield's best-known and oldest families. On the family 
monument are these inscriptions. On the west side : — 

Jona. Newhall, Sr. 

died 1775 

Eliza Newhall 

died Jan 15, 1794. 

Jona Newhall Jr 

died Nov. 15, 1798. 

^t. 42 yrs. 

Susanna Newhall 

died July 20: 1789 

James Newhall 

died at sea. 

Feb. 4: 1800. 

Ait. 28 yrs. 

John Newhall 

died July 29 : 1827 

yEt. 36 yrs 

Sarah Newhall 

died JEt. 2 yrs 

John Newhall 

died Ait. 18 mos. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 87 

On the south side : — 

William Teele 

died at sea. 

William F. Brown 

died Jan. 18 1833 

William H Teele 

died at Liverpool Eng 

Jan. II, 1833. 

JE. 24 yrs. 

He fell from the fore yard 
Of the Ship Tallahasse. 

Jesus our Captain leads us on 

He hails us from the skies 
And reaches out a starry crown 

And bids us take the prize 

John Sullivan 

of Boston Branch Pilot 

died at N. G. 

Aug. 5 1847 

M. 42 yrs. 

George A. Sulivan 

of Boston Branch Pilot 

died Oct. 12, 1848 

^•35- 

Not far away are two tombstones whose inscriptions read : — 

James Newhall 

Died 

Oct. 25: 1874 

JEt. 87 yrs 8 mos 

We paused as if from that bright shore 

Beckoned our dear ones gone before. 

Sally Richards 

wife of 
James Newhall 

Died 

Nov. 23, 1867 

JE. 72 yrs. 5 mos 



88 HISTORY OF THE TOWT^ 

Grandchildren of Jonathan Newhall, on the east side : — 

John G. Sullivan 
died Feb. lo: 1807 

JE. 4 yrs 6 mos. 

Eliza A. Sullivan 
died June 24: 181 2. 

yT£. 7 yrs. 4 mos. 
Charles S. Sullivan 
died Aug. 15, 181 5. 

JE. 5 yrs I mo. 

Granville F. Sullivan 

died Jan. 17, 18 18. 

JE. I yr. six mos. 

Grandchildren of Jonathan Newhall, Jr. : — 

John Sullivan Jr. 
died Aug 11, 1822. 
JE. 42 yrs. 
Branch Pilot of Boston 
The time has been that time is past 
When youth I bloomed like thee 
The time will come, tis coming fast 
When thou shall be like me. 

Other epitaphs in this enclosure read : — 

In memory of 

William Newhall 

who died 

June 5 : 1823 

Aged 72. 

A Revolutionary soldier who fought for the freedom of his country. 

Asa Newhall 

died 

April 30: 1 8 14. 

Aged 81 yrs 9 mos. 

Sarah 

his wife 

died Nov. 30 : 1 840 

Aged 97 yrs. 9 mos. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 89 

Wendall G. Nichols 

Born in Boston 

July 12, 1838. 

Killed in battle near 

Petersburg Va. 

Aug. 18: 1864. 

He was a member of Co. A 

39. Reg. Mass. Volls. 

Calmly he sleeps : no clang of arms 
Shall break his ceaseless slumbers more 
Safe he has passed from war's alarms 
To peace upon the other shore. 

Erected to the memory of 

Edward Otis Skerry 

By 

Suntaug Lodge, I. O. G. T. 

He died 

Aug. 8: 1870. 

Aged 21 years 

& 6 mos. 
We miss thee. 



WEST BURYING GROUND. 

A committee was chosen by the town in 1813 to select 
a piece of land in the central portion of the town for a bury- 
ing ground. This was the third city of sepulchres in town. 
It has, like the other cemeteries, on front a nice faced wall of 
Lynnfield granite, and above it used to be a row of beautiful 
trees, a gift of Hubbard Emerson, Esq. It is nicely hemmed 
in all around, much of which is due to Judge Nash, who used 
to say it was a part of his religion to venerate the dead. It 
is somewhat singular that a plot of land having been used 
more than fourscore years should not have a clergyman buried 
here, yet such is the case. It is said that Capt. Wm. Skinner's 
daughter was the first to be buried in this ground ; and another 



90 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

daughter of his was the first to be laid in Forest Hill Cemetery 
a generation after. 

The first row of graves on the left-hand side is that of Bow- 
man Viles, Esq. The first reads : — 

Bowman Viles Esq. 

Died 

March 27, 1838 

JEt. 57 years. 

Thou art not dead, but sleeping 

In Christ thy spirit rests. 
Thy useful life still speaking 
To those who knew thee best. 

Still nearer the gate is the Cox lot. An elegant monument 
claims a share of attention, which says : — 

Sacred , 

to the memory of 

John Orne Cox 

who died 

Aug 16, 1839 

^t. 21 yrs. 

This stone is erected by the 

Boston Light Infantry 

as a token of respect for a 

brother member. 

In the same range is one which will repay perusal : — 

In memory of 

William E. Cox 

who died in Mexico 

April 2 1st, 1849 

in his 29th year 

and whose remains 

were deposited here 

July 2, 1850. 

Say shall the bosom of affection mourn, 
Or shall the tear of love bedew his urn? 
Yes, Jesus wept. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. . 9 1 

On the opposite side of the avenue are monumental 

stones : — 

Capt Henry Bancroft, 

Died — 

Aug. 15, 1872 

Aged 86. 

" Death is the crown of life." 

Eliza Mottey 
wife of 
Capt. Henry Bancroft 
Dau. of Rev. Joseph Mottey 
Died Feb. 10: 1869 
/Et. 79 
The night dew that falls 
Though in silence it weeps 
Shall brighten with verdure 
The grave where she sleeps 
And the tear that we shed 
Though in silence it rolls 
Shall long keep her memory 
Green in our souls. 

George Mottey Bancroft 

drowned near 

San Francisco Gala 

Feb. 3, 1 85 1, 

vEt. 26 yrs 

Henry Alexander Bancroft 

Died July 25, 1862 

/l':t. 35 yrs 

In the range back of these is a nice marble, which we 

copy : — 

j Nathanel Bancroft "(^ 
I DanforthM.D. i 
Born in Lynnfield 

Sept. 24, 1 82 1. 

Died in Wrentham 

Jan. 30: 1864, 

Aged 42. 



92 • HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

In the yard a short distance back is the Richardson lot. 
We transcribe three of the epitaphs, the first because it is 
the oldest in the yard, but not the first burial : — 

Sacred to the memory 

of Sophia Richardson 

Dau. of Mr Herbert 

and Mrs Mary Richardson 

who died March 

13. 1813 

aged 10 yrs. 

The father's stone is inscribed : — 

In 
Memory of 
Mr 
Herbert Richardson 
who died 
Nov, 29 1823. 
^t. 66 

Here where this stone its record keeps 
A Friend a Husband, Father sleeps 
A heart within whose sacred cell — 
The peaceful virtues loved to dwell, 
Affections warm a heart sincere 
And truth and justice centered there. 

The third is remarkable, a double grave and stone, which 
reads : — 

In memory of 

Mr Herbert Richardson Jr. 

of Lynnfield son of Mr Herbert & 

Mrs Mary Richardson Aged 24, 

and Miss Charlotte Palmer 

Daug'ht of Mr David & Mrs Sarah 

Palmer of Londonderry Aged 20 — 

who were both drowned in Shawshen 

River in Andover March 3 181 8. 




REV. JACOB HOOD. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 93 

Behold these lovely blooming youth 
Whose days were pleasantness & truth 
Cut down while in their youthful bloom 
And hast'ned to a watery tomb. 

Back of this is a huge bowlder, solid rock, the Parsons 
monument, whose polished surface says, Eben'r Parsons 
1 794-1853, Mary Hart his wife i 792-1864. 

Near the centre of the cemetery, enclosed in an iron fence, 
is the burial place of Elijah Hewes, Jr., and family. At the 
time it was fitted up it was the most beautiful around. A 
large urn was set up on a mound in the middle of the enclosure, 
but both have since been taken away, so that the lot is not 
as ornamental as formerly, although it shows evidences that it 
is not forgotten. 

A large Roman marble monument stands on the Jeremiah 
Coney lot, which is nearly filled with mounds. 

The Wiley lot, near by, has a beautiful granite memorial 
to father, mother, son, and daughter. 

A short distance to the rear are the stones and monument 
of the James Hewes family lot. Three of them we will notice 
here. First, the father's, reads : — 

" Death comes to lead me from Mortality 
to lands which know not one unhappy 
hour." 

Mr James Ilewes 

died in Cincinnati Ohio 

Feb. 17, 1852 

Aged 67 years 

His remains were 

deposited here 
Msdch 14, 1852. 

Rest Father the Almighty hand 
That bore thee to that better land 
Will guide us all our journey through 
Till we shall meet both him & you. 



94 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

The second is a monument with an urn upon the top : — 

Mrs Lydia Kidder 

died in Saugus 

Jan. 3, 1855 

Aged 30 years 

and 8 months. 

• 
Weep — she was worthy of the purest grief 

Weep — in such sorrow you shall find relief 

While o'er her doom the bitter tear ye shed 

Memory shall trace the virtues of the dead. 

These cannot die, for you for her they bloom 

And scatter fragrance round her early tomb. 

Mrs. Kidder was a daughter of Mr. Hewes. Another was 
Mrs. Spinney. Her stone is marked by a cross of flowers. 
The inscription runs thus : — 

Eliza H. 

Wife of 

George Spinney 

Died Jan 7, 1864. 

Aged 48 years 

and 10 mos 

Her works praise her. 

On the opposite side of the cemetery are the monuments 
of the Joel Hewes family, with the inscription of Henry 
E. Hewes, a soldier who died at Newbern, N. C. ; of 
William Mansfield, containing the family deaths, — one to 
Angeline, wife of Ezra Mansfield, and one to the family of 
the late Col. Joel Hewes. The latter is on a raised lot, 
its top surmounted with a cross. In one corner of the lot 
are two crosses to mark the resting of two small children. 
The motto is : — 

We have loved them on earth 
May we meet them in Heaven, 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 95 

Just back of the last mentioned is the burial lot of the late 
Alfred Skinner, which contains the remains of the parents and 
four children, all but one of the whole family. The father's 
stone says : — 

Alfred Skinner 
died April 26: 1855 
Aged 30 years 

So soon my wife and children dear 
I come to join you sleeping here 
One of our little flock is left behind 
Trusting in God pure friends to find 

The mother's says : — 

Lydia Ann 

wife of Alfred Skinner 

died April 5 : 1855 

Aged 26 years 

Oh weep not for the dead. 
Rather oh rather give the tear 
To those who darkly linger here 
When all beside are fled 

Not far from the Mansfield monuments is one of Scotch 
granite to the memory of Benjamin Cox. 

The following soldiers have tombstones, which we tran- 
scribe : — 

In memory of 

Capt. Ebenezer Hart 

who fought for the liberty 

and independence of his 

country during the war 

of the Revolution and died 

March 26, 1840 

/Et. 77. 



96 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

In memory of 

Mr. Ebenezer Parsons 

who died 

April 17, 1843 

Aged 81 

A Soldier of the Revolution 

Daniel Needham Esq. 

Died Feb. 16, 1844 

Aged 83. 

A soldier of the Revolution 

Joseph L 

Son of Joseph & Mary 

Hart. 

A member of 4th Mass 

Battery 

Died in Hospital at 

Fort Pike La. Dec i 1862 

Aged 39 years. 

George W. 

Only son of Wm W. 

& Rebecca 15. 

A volunteer soldier 

in the Lafayette 

Art'y Lymdeboro N. H. 

Died Oct. 19, 1864 

yEt. 20 yrs i mo. 

" Absent but not forgotten." 



THE TAPLEY TOMB. 

One of the finest illustrations of this book is an excellent rep- 
resentation of the above, which is situated at the north part of 
the town, at the "Three Corners." It was built by Joseph Tap- 
ley, whose house stood near by. Mr. Tapley was a native of Dan- 
vers, and died soon after the tomb was built, in 1820. Since 
then the tomb has been going to decay and presented a 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 97 

neglected appearance, although the dozen bodies it contained 
were unmolested. Mr. David Hewes, of California, a grandson 
of Mr. Tapley, had contemplated making improvements at this 
and the homes of his ancestors, having put in perfect repair the 
former home of Mr. Tapley, and the place where he himself 
was born, in 1822 ; had also fitted everything connected with 
this resting place, including a new inscription, enlarging the 
ground, setting granite posts, relaying the walls around the en- 
closure, rebuilding the front of the tomb. 

When the reinterment was to take place, in November, 1892, 
Mr. Hewes invited a large company to be present at the memo- 
rial exercises, which were held in the schoolhouse near by. 
Among the guests present were Hon. T. N. Hart of Boston, 
Ex-Mayor George D. Hart of Lynn, several of the Tapley 
family, as also the Hewes family, and many citizens of Lynnfield 
and neighboring towns. The exercises consisted of prayer by 
Rev. H. L. Brickett, of Lynnfield Centre ; a cordial welcome 
extended by Mr. Hewes, who spoke of the object of the gather- 
ing, and introduced Hon. Thomas N.Hart, postmaster of Boston, 
as "a future governor of Massachusetts," who made remarks. 

After the exercises the visitors adjourned to the tomb, 
where the coffin was placed within and sprigs of evergreen 
thrown in as tokens of respect. A collation was served at the 
house near by and the company separated. 

The following verses are a part of the poem written by Mrs. 
J. W. Perkins of this town : — 

" Unforgotten ! As thoughtful hearts 
Murmur the love-fraught word 
The tender echoes ore taken up 
By the winds that overheard. 

" Unforgotten ! O cherished dead ! 
Sweet is thy resting place, 
For tender thoughts have been busy here 
With love's own perfect grace. 



98 'HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

" Unforgotten ! The busy years 
Cannot efface the past, 
And love, because it is born of God, 
To eternity shall last. 



" Unforgotten ! The breezes sweet 
Murmur the love-fraught word; 
Beyond our hearing the echoes go, 
The loving one has heard, 

" Unforgotten ! O cherished dead ! 
God's love has marked the spot; 
He knoweth, though all men forget, 
And he forgetteth not. 

" Unforgotten ! The Easter glow 

Shall flood earth's death-dark sky. 
For he remembereth to fulfd 
Unto eternity." 



FOREST HILL CEMETERY 

Is situated on the avenue of the same name, but a short dis- 
tance from the Centre depot, and was laid out in 1856 by Henry 
Lilley Eaton. The plan is a double circle of lots in the centre, 
while the avenues run across and lengthwise. The lot contains 
six acres, and was purchased of James Hewes. At first but the 
front part was used, but of late years the rear part is being occu- 
pied. The front is enclosed by a solid granite wall, the stone 
being quarried in this town. At the gate is a semicircle. The 
dedication took place Oct. 14, 1856, Rev. Messrs. Hodgman 
and Chute of this town officiating. The address was by the Rev. 
Mr, Hodgman, from which we quote the following : " The 
practice of selecting some place for the burial of the dead and 
adorning it is as old as the race of men. Civilized and 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 99 

Christian nations bury with appropriate ceremonies. Pagans 
burn or destroy. Indians bury. Some of their old burying 
grounds are still pointed out. Perhaps some of their dead lie 
enshrined here. There is an obvious propriety in setting apart 
places for burial. The earliest sepulchre of which we have any 
account is that which Abraham bought of Ephron. It was the 
field and cave of Machpelah, which is before Mamre. (Gen. 
xxiii. 17.) 

" The ancestral burial place is the one fixed element in the 
unstable life of a nomadic race, and this Hebron furnished to 
the patriarchs. The one spot which Abraham called his own 
was the sepulchre which he bought with four hundred shekels 
of silver from Ephron the Hittite. 

" ' There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife ; there 
they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife ; and there I buried 
Leah.' (Gen. xlix. 31.) 

" Of all the great patriarchal family Rachel alone is absent 
from this sacred enclosure ; she was buried at Bethlehem. 
(Gen. XXXV. 19.) 

"The Jews called their sepulchres everlasting habitations. 
They were outside of the city. Only kings or distinguished 
persons were buried within the city walls. Sepulchres were 
often in groves or gardens and were private property. Such 
was Abraham's and Manoah's, in which Samson was buried. 

" Asahel was buried in his father's sepulchre near Bethlehem. 
(2 Sam. ii. 32. ) 

" The primitive Christians were generally buried in sub- 
terranean sepulchres ; in fact they often lived in them, to be 
safe from their persecutors. These were secret, very spacious, 
with many apartments. 

" We are always interested in a place of burial, and for good 
reasons. We cannot shut our eyes to the fact that we must 
one day die and need a grave. We wish for a quiet resting 
place for the body. 



lOO 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN 



" The sea is the grave of many, but it shall one day give up 
its dead. The domestic affections prompt us to wish that our 
friends may be buried near us. The Bible justifies us in 
attaching to the grave a real significan(!e. Hither the old man 
will come and the tender mother. 

"We accept the sentiment of Washington Irving, who wrote, 
'The grave is the ordeal of affection; there we dismiss all 
prejudice and resentment.' 

" Let us recall the Thanalopsis of William C. Bryant. This 
suggests gitiet but does not inspire hope. It is the gospel 
which brings light into the grave. The Saviour passed through 
it before us, and took away its darkness and its gloom. 

"This cemetery is henceforth the city of the dead. Precious 
dust will be gathered here." 

The first interment was that of Mrs. Sarah S., wife of 
George F. Blake, now of Boston. She was the daughter 
of William Skinner of Lynnfield. Her remains were afterward 
removed to Mount Alburn. The next was that of Miss Mar- 
garet Ann Gates, who sleeps near the centre of the enclosure. 
Not far from her lies what was mortal of Belle Cushman Eaton, 
and near by is the lot set apart for the soldiers and sailors. 
But a short distance from the last named is the Hood monu- 
ment, where rest the oldest couple that probably ever graced 
Lynnfield. At a short passage is the solid granite (native) 
monument of Messrs. Bancroft and Herrick, and one nearly of 
the same description marks the last resting place of John 
Danforth, Esq. Near the gate is the marble monument 
erected to the memory of Miss Lydia Newhall. On the east, 
enclosed in a granite curbing, are the twin monuments 
of Aaron Hewes and Levi H. Russell, who have passed 
away. Not far off is the Wellman and Carter monument, 
of beautiful Swedish granite. One of the prettiest memo- 
rial stones is that of Micajah Pope, placed at his grave by 
his widow. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. lOI 

In this cemetery sleep and are memorials of the following 
soldiers of the War of the Rebellion : Asa R. Reed, Henry B. 
Wellman, Lieut. Benj. W. Parsons, George W. Wiley, George A. 
Norwood, James Norwood, Manfred C. Cook, Daniel Cook, 
James M. Roberts, Charles Goss, Edward Sanborn Coney. 

This cemetery promises, if the town should grow, to be like 
Copp's Hill, in Boston, — surrounded by the habitations of the 
living. 

WILLOW CEMETERY. 

This cemetery is the last one laid out by the town, and is 
but a short distance from the South Schoolhouse, on the street 
to Lynnfield Centre. It is quietly situated just out of the 
village. It was purchased by the town of Gen. Josiah New- 
hall for the sum of ^550 in 1869. The surveying was care- 
fully and faithfully done by the Rev. Jacob Hood when nearly 
eighty years of age. The front of it is a faced wall of granite 
with a semicircular entrance, like Forest Hill, at the central 
portion of the town. 

The cemetery contains more than two hundred and fifty 
lots, and is already being much of it taken, and presents the 
look of a modern cemetery. One of the first to be buried 
here was Major Andrew Mansfield, died Dec. 17, 1869, 
aged 68 years 3 months. A large marble monument marks 
the place of his sepulchre. 

On the left side as you enter, a short distance from the out- 
side, is a monumental stone whose story reads : — 

A Soldier 

Charles H. Forrester 

Died 

June 16: 1 87 1 

/Et. 32 yrs. 

Here, among the tasty monuments and tablets, sleep many 
of Lynnfield's sons and daughters, such as Gen. Josiah New- 



I02 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

hall, Elbridge Gerry, Daniel Mansfield, and their wives, 
descendants of those who peopled this town many years ago, 
and others with whom they have associated, and here in the 
(iuiet,near the green woods, with the schoolhouse in sight and 
the locomotive's whistle near by, one after another is brought 
to sleep in Mother Earth, while friends recount their deeds and 
mark their names in marble. 

" Then shall the dust return to the earth, as it was and 
the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. I03 



CHAPTER VII. 
The Revolutionary War. 

It is needless to recount the incidents that brought on 
the war with England, as every scholar has ample opportunity 
to study them in every village school; neither can we give one 
town all the credit due, when it was simply a per cent oi 
another ; but we are sure Lynn End, now Lynnfield, did her 
part nobly, and will give such facts relative thereto as we 
have been able to obtain, commencing April 19, 1775, 
although before this the military company had been called 
out, it being when the British tried to take the North Bridge 
at Salem. At this time and for many years after the ammu- 
nition was stored in the attic of the old meeting-house, the 
powder house on Powder Hill not being built. 

At this time " Congress issued paper money, at first three 
millions of dollars, and soon enough for two hundred millions," 
which in the course of half a dozen years was rather poor 
stuff, and the depreciation of currency made sad havoc of 
people's fortunes. The First Church had a fund which was 
on interest. After the war had ceased the fund, with interest 
of twenty years, did not amount to its original value. 

I used to look at specimens of the aforesaid money and 
think, I'm glad we don't have such small bits of paper, little 
thinking that soon another war would bring the same. 

We cannot, nor do we wish to, help admiring the "spunk" 
of our Revolutionary forefathers ; and when speaking of them 



I04 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

let US not forget our foremothers, for both had the real Yankee 
grit. Societies were formed, who pledged themselves not to 
purchase foreign articles, but to make the necessities and 
forego the luxuries of life. Spinning and weaving were done 
by those who could afford to buy. Sheep were forbidden to 
be used as an article of food, that their wool might be made 
into clothing, and a suit of "homespun " was very fashionable. 
Is it not a pleasure to think that we belong to such a glorious an- 
cestry, — men who " fought, bled, and died " for their country, 
and whose memories should be held in grateful esteem? 

We see them made prisoners, walking barefoot on the ice 
and snow, so they could be tracked by the blood, without 
food and shelter when well, and care and medicine when sick, 
while their families at home were practising the most rigid 
economy, giving their pewter to be made into bullets, and, in 
fact, suffering all the horrors of war, while they had not some 
of the reliefs of the present time. 

No post office threw out its priceless store of letters, detail- 
ing how the soldier fared in camp or the battle-field ; no 
telegram announced if he were wounded, while no railway 
was in readiness to convey the loved ones to the sick or the 
dying brother, husband, or father, or to bring him home ; no 
newspaper conveyed the latest intelligence from the seat of 
war, but everything must be done in a slow, single way, if 
done at all, compared with the present age. Think of waiting 
three weeks to hear from New York ! 

Tories soon became scarce articles, leaving by hundreds for 
Mother England's broad domains, or if staying on the soil 
were " still as mice." We regret to know that no memorial 
of our " fallen heroes " has been publicly raised to their 
worth, and that what was applicable to nations is also to 
towns, — 

" How nations slowly wise and meanly just 
To buried merit raise the tardy bust," — 




JAMES HEWES. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 10$ 

and trust future generations will improve on the past in this 
respect, although all are not to be blamed for this forgetful- 
ness. 

In an account of the Revolutionary patriots I feel that 
in no way can it be so well done in part as by giving a 
sketch from a newspaper by Capt. Aaron Foster when ninety 
years of age, one who knew the length and breadth of this town, 
being born within a mile and a half of its Common, having at- 
tended church and school here, and " lastly, but not leastly," 
married two wives of the Mansfield family. It is a pleasure to 
copy in his own words so able an article from such a worthy 
personage : — 

" As Lynnfield was a part of Lynn during the Revolutionary 
War, it is difficult at this time to distinguish the soldiers who 
belonged to Lynn from those who belonged to Lynnfield, as 
they are all included in one list. The Lynn historians have 
given the names of one hundred and sixty-eight men, not in- 
cluding those who fell at Lexington on the 19th of April, 1775, 
a part of whom belonged to what is now Lynnfield. I shall 
therefore attempt to give only a few short biographical notices 
of some with whom I had some acquaintance, and of one or 
two others of whom I have the most reliable tradition. Of 
the four who fell at Lexington three belonged to what is now 
Lynnfield, viz., Daniel Townsend, William Flint, and Thomas 
Hadley. Townsend lived in the central part of the town, 
Flint and Hadley lived in the southerly part of the town. 

" Among those who were wounded on the famous 19th of 
April was Timothy Munroe of Lynnfield, whose house was on 
the left-hand side of the road after crossing the river from 
Wakefield to Lynnfield by way of Salem Street. The house 
has been well preserved and is still in good condition. Mr. 
Munroe is deservedly mentioned by the Lynn historians as 
follows : ' He was standing behind a house with Daniel 
Townsend and firing at the British troops as they were com- 



I06 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

ing down the road on the retreat toward Boston. Townsend 
had just fired and exclaimed, " There's another redcoat down," 
when Munroe, looking around, saw to his astonishment that 
they were completely hemmed in by the flank guard of the 
British army, who were coming down the fields behind them. 
They immediately ran into the house and sought for the 
cellar, but no cellar was there. They looked for a closet, but 
there was none. A}! this time, which was but indeed for a 
moment, the balls were pouring through the back windows^ 
making the glass fly around them. Townsend leaped through 
the end window, carrying the sash and all with him, and in- 
stantly fell dead. Munroe followed and ran for his life. He 
passed for a long distance between both parties, many of 
whom discharged their guns at him. As he passed the last 
soldier who stopped to fire he heard the redcoat exclaim, 
" Damn the Yankee, he is bullet proof, let him go." Mr. 
Munroe had one ball through the leg and thirty-two bullet- 
holes through his clothes and hat. Even the metal buttons 
of his waistcoat were shot ofl". He kept his clothes till he was 
tired of showing them, and died in 1808, aged 72 years.' To 
the above historical account it may be added that Munroe, 
while pursuing the retreating British from Lexington, came to 
a wounded British soldier, who begged of him to dress his 
wound, which was bleeding very rapidly. Mr, Munroe used 
his handkerchief to stop the flowing blood from the soldier's 
wound. To reward him for his kindness the soldier took from 
his clothes a silver buckle which Mr. Munroe gave to the late 
Mrs. Caleb Green, Sr. It is now in the possession of her 
grandchildren, the heirs of the late Joshua Green. If it could 
be obtained, I think it would be a valuable and attractive 
article for the Wakefield Historical Society. 

" Another, whose name I do not find mentioned in history, 
and who was a soldier of the Revolution, was Noah Newhall. 
He is said to have been the first landlord of the Lynnfield 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. I07 

Hotel, and who afterwards kept a public house at Reading for 
a few years, and then removed to Vermont, where he died, 
leaving five daughters and one great-granddaughter. None 
of his descendants are known now to be livin:^. 

" Among the numerous and exciting incidents of his army 
life one was to be a witness of the execution of Major John 
Andre, the British spy. He was one of the number detailed 
for duty on that memorable occasion. These facts were given 
to the writer by one of his daughters, more than fifty years 
ago. She had heard her father relate the story of the execu- 
tion, with many particulars in connection with it. 

"Another of Lynnfield's heroes was the late Capt. Eben- 
ezer Hart, who fought ' long and well ' for his country's 
freedom and independence, continuing in the army from the 
beginning to the end of the war. He must have endured 
many hardships and privations during his long term of army 
service, and no man in the army was more deserving of the 
pension he received in the later years of his life. He lived 
in the northerly part of the town, where he reared a large 
family of children, giving them all a very good common school 
education. 

" Being intelligent and well informed on matters and things 
in general, he took much interest in the subject of education 
as well as in other matters of public interest. He had an 
argumentative turn of mind, and was tenacious and inflexible 
in defending the ground he had once taken. I have known 
him to hold discussions with an antagonist on some theologi- 
cal point for nearly an hour after he had been called two or 
three times to his dinner, being determined to have the last 
word, thus showing that when warmed up in an argument 
with an opponent, and having his choice, he would rather 
fight than eat at the same price. 

" For the opportunities he had he was a man of extensive 
and varied reading, and so well posted in political as well as 



Io8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

in theological history as to make him an able debater and a 
formidable antagonist. 

" In private life he was a man of quiet manners, kind and 
courteous, but independent and flat footed as a mugwump in 
his opinions, and fearless in expressing them, a faithful friend 
as well as a determined opponent. In the War of 1812 
party spirit ran very very high, and political subjects were 
discussed with great warmth and animosity. He belonged 
at that time to the Jefferson school of Democrats, and there 
were but two others in Lynnfield in about a hundred voters 
that at that time belonged to his party, viz., Joseph Pearson 
and Eben Waitt, both good, honest, and well-meaning citizens, 
but not at all aggressive or active in political matters. Until 
the year 18 14 the voters of Lynn and Lynnfield voted to- 
gether for State officers, and it belonged to Lynnfield to have 
one of the five representatives for both towns. Capt. Hart 
was one of those taken as a candidate for Lynnfield, and hav- 
ing a majority of the Lynn voters on his side, was elected, over 
all opposition in his own town, by a large majority. Some of 
his descendants in the female line remain in Lynnfield and 
some in other places. 

" Another of the veterans of Lynnfield was Aaron Nourse. 
His native place was in the north part of the town. The 
Danvers railroad passes directly over the spot where he was 
born. He was, as I remember him, not very intelligent, but an 
honest, industrious, hard laboring man. He had three chil- 
dren, but none of his posterity are living. His simple-minded 
son was for a long term of years a burden to the town of 
Lynnfield. The old soldier, like other old soldiers in later 
years, would 'shoulder his crutch and tell how fields were 
won,' and in one of the fields in which he was engaged after 
the battle was won and the enemy had left the field, and as 
his regiment was in pursuit of the retreating foe, he came to 
a dead British soldier on the ground with a gun by his side. 



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OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. TO9 

a much better one than the one he was carrying, and in a case 
Uke this he seemed to think that ' exchange was no robbery,' 
and took the dead soldier's gun and left the one he was carry- 
ing. It was called the king's arm from its having been used 
in the king's service. His life ended by falling from a load of 
hay. James Nourse, whose name is mentioned in connection 
with his, is supposed to be his brother and a soldier of the 
Revolution from Lynnfield. 

" Another on the roll of honor from Lynnfield was Joshua 
Burnham. He at one time lived upon, and, as is supposed, 
owned, the place or a part of it now owned by Mr. Thomas E. 
Cox. Some time after the war he was made colonel of the 
Lynn regiment. He spent the closing years of his life in 
Wakefield. His descendants are numerous, some being in 
Lynnfield, some in Wakefield, and some in other places. 

" Lieut. John Upton, who served in the Revolutionary 
War, lived upon and owned the place now owned by Mr. 
Frank Hart. He was a man of strong mental powers and 
much energy of character. He must have acted a very con- 
spicuous part in the Revolutionary history of the town. He 
died at quite an advanced age of ninety years. In politics in 
the later years of his hfe he was a Federalist, and strongly 
opposed to the Jeffersonian school of Democrats. In per- 
sonal appearance he was a man of large stature, of medium 
height, but of stout, portly frame and stately mien, and with a 
countenance expressive of dignity and intelligence, and of one 
born to command, though he held no higher rank than that of 
lieutenant. In his religious opinions he belonged to the 
Congregational school as it remained during the time in 
which he lived. 

"There were some others from Lynnfield in the army service 
who perhaps, though not so worthy of notice as the above 
named, were yet good, quiet, peaceable, industrious citizens, 
and undoubtedly acted well their part during their service in the 



no HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

army. Taken as a whole it may be said of them that they 
were men ' inflexible in faith,' as the event proved ' invinci- 
ble in arms.' " 

One Revolutionary soldier in this chapter needs a word. 
Ebenezer Parsons, a soldier of the Revolution, was born in 
Leicester, Mass., March 13, 1762. His father, Israel Parsons, 
dying in 1767, he came to Lynnfield to live with his grand- 
father, Ebenezer Bancroft. He was married to Nabby Smith, 
Nov. 18, 1787, and resided in Lynnfield till his death, April 
17, 1843, at the age of eighty-one. 

Little is known of his service as a soldier, except that he 
was with Gen. Sullivan at the siege of Newport. 

"In 1778 Washington and Count d'Estaing arranged for 
the French fleet to attack the British near Rhode Island, and 
Sullivan was sent with a large force to co-operate in besieging 
Newport. On the day appointed for the combined attack 
a violent storm so shattered the French vessels that they 
withdrew. After defeating the English in one engagement, 
Sullivan's forces retired from Rhode Island." 

The length of his first term of service is not known, but 
that he re-enlisted for six months in 1780 is shown by the fol- 
lowing copies of documents in the possession of his grandson? 
Ebenezer Parsons : — 



Lynn July 4th 1 780 

wee do hereby Engag & promise to Ebenezer Parsons of Lynn, being 
an inlisted souldier in the Continental army for six months, to deliver him 
thre Cows at the End of the sd six months in Lieu of his six months 
wages, he delivering his six months wages or money Equel thereto to us or 
Either of us, the sd cows to be as good as cows are one with another that 
is to say midling Cows. 

JOSEPH COWING 
THOMAS TOWNSEND 
JOHN PERKIT^S 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. I I I 

A copy of his discharge : — 

Ebenezer Tarsons a Soldier in Col E. Putnam's Reg. Discharged the 
service, the Isuing Commisariat will Enoch Putnam Col Comdt 

furnish you with Provision on your march home. 

West Point Dec 6 1781. 



On the back of the discharge is the following indorse- 
ment : — 

this may Sertify that the Barrer has Drawn Provision to the 9th 
Instant. 

J. NYE, Q. M. 

in behalf J. Forsyth A. C. B. 



Issued 3 Rations : 



WM DEEN 



W. M. T. 



That his service as a soldier did not cease with the close of 
the war the following will show : — 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 

To mr Ebenzer Parsons greting 

You Being appointed sargent major of the Fifth Regt First 
Brigaid & 2d Division Commanded By Colo Fredk Breed, By 
Vertue of the Power Vested in me I do by these Presents 
grant you this warant, you are therefore Carefuly and Diligently to 
Discharge the Duty of sargent major in Deeding & ordering & Ex- 
ercising said Regt in arms. Both inferior officers and soldiers & to keep 
them in good order and Disapline and they are hereby Commanded to 
obey you as their sargent major, and you are yourself to obeserv and folow 
such orders and instructions as you shall from Tim to Time Reseve from 
your superier officers. 

given under my Hand and Seele at Lynn this Seventh Day October 
one thousand seven hundred and Eighty Nine. 

FREDK BREED Colo 



112 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

He first received a pension in 1818, as the following 
document will show : — 

WAR DEPARTMENT. 
Revolutionary Claim. 

I certify, that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 
i8th of March, 1818, Ebenezer Parsons, late a Private in the Army of the 
Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List Roll of the Massachusetts 
Agency at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the 4th 
day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. 

Given at the War Office of the United .States this i6th day of May, 
one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. 

^^ J. C. CALHOUN, 

i >,EAL ^ Secretary of War. 



He received an invitation to be present at the laying of 
the corner-stone of the monument erected in Danvers (now 
Peabody), in commemoration of the battle of Lexington : — 

Danvers, April 14, 1835. 
Mr. Ebenezer Parsons. 

Dear Sir, — An association of gentlemen in Danvers have deter- 
mined to erect a monument in commemoration of the battle of Lexington 
and those citizens of Danvers who were the first martyrs of our liberties. 
The ceremonies of laying the corner-stone will take place on Monday, 
the 20th instant. 

In behalf, sir, of the subscribers to the monument, you are hereby re- 
spectfully invited to be present on that occasion and take the place assigned 
you in the procession among the Revolutionary patriots, those few living 
memorials of the patriotism of 1775. 

The procession will be formed in front of the Old South Meeting-House 
precisely at 10 o'clock A. M. Your presence and early attendance is 
desired. 

JON. SHOVE, 
Chairman of Committee of Arrangements. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 113 

Nor would we fail to mention in our heroes of the Revolu- 
tion who have lived in this town the well-remembered, never 
to be forgotten name of Martin Herrick, M. D., who was born 
in the neighboring town of Reading in 1747, and a graduate of 
Harvard College, 1772, It is said that " he studied medicine 
with Gov. Brooks of Medford, and that he met Paul Revere 
in his memorable ride, and going in an opposite direction 
gave the warning. He fought in the battle of Lexington, and 
after the battle assisted in caring for the wounded. He en- 
listed in the army, from which he was transferred to the navy 
as surgeon, and was twice captured by the British." He lived 
at different times in different parts of this town ; at one time 
he was a school teacher here. He died here in 1820, and 
was buried, by his special request, in the old burying ground. 
His grave is but a short distance from the gate in a straight 
line, but it is not marked in any way, and was pointed to the 
writer almost forty years ago by one who knew him and attended 
his funeral. He was buried with Masonic honors. 

Another soldier was James Bancroft. He was born in 1756, 
and entered the Revolutionary army, 1775, at the age of 19 ; 
served as a lieutenant of infantry, was discharged at the close 
in 1783; married Sarah Parsons of Leicester, Mass. ; went into 
trade, failed in a few years, became an inspector in the Boston 
Custom House, where he remained till his death, April, 1803, 
aged 47; his wife having died April, 1795. -^^ ^^^^ ^^^J'' 
sons and three daughters ; one son and one daughter died 
in infancy ; James, Henry, Charles, Sarah Parsons, and Har- 
riett lived to mature age. The latter became the wife of 
Rev. Benjamin C. Cutler, an Episcopal clergyman. Sarah 
Parsons was never married. Henry was the only one who 
remained at Lynnfield. He was a member of the Society of 
the Cincinnati, and always attended its meetings on the fourth 
of July with his accustomed punctuality. 

The above James was the son of James, who was the son 



114 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

of James, who was the son of John, who was grandson of the 
first Bancroft settled here. 

A white stone in the old burying ground is placed in 
memory of Lieut. James Bancroft and Esther Smith, his wife, 
who died here, the former Aug. 22, 18 14, aged 82 years, and 
the latter in March of the same year. 

Capt. Thomas Emerson was born in 1757 ; married Ruth, 
daughter of James Bancroft, Esq. ; died in Lynnfield, at the 
Henfield house. 

He was a soldier of the Revolution, a man of great bravery 
and patriotism. He was a prisoner in Dartmour Prison. His 
widow survived him many years ; died at the house of her 
daughter, Mrs. Benjamin Cox, at the advanced age of ninety- 
one years. She was a woman of great cheerfulness and 
intelligence. Hubbard Emerson was their son, and Mrs. 
Burnham their daughter, beside others. 

Capt. Emerson and his wife were buried in the old grave- 
yard at Wakefield, where their tombstones may be seen. 

It is said that Capt. Emerson, at Concord, saw two foemen 
meet, fire at each other, and both fell dead. 

Lynn End lost in the struggle three of her noble sons, and 
one other was supposed to have perished for his country's 
sake. Two others, at least, died from effects of being out on 
alarms. One woman died from the loss of her husband, 
another from a nervous fever, and many carried to their 
graves hidden sorrows which came of the war. There were 
many who had the smallpox in the army, others were never 
well after their return home ; one living but a year, another 
two, and the list of mortality at home was frightfully large. 
Indeed it would be impossible to state the woes of war, for 
" the half was never told." 

The alarm and training band were ready to be called at 
any time. 

The first resistance of the British at the North Bridge, Salem, 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. II5 

found them there. The battle of Lexington found them there. 
They were at Champlain, at New York, and m many batdes. 
These were the sons of and grandsons of many who left the 
mother country for liberty, and were resolved to maintain 
that cause, and were the authors of many an exploit worthy to 
be, but never chronicled in fame. 

During the year 1816 a young man, from one of the towns 
in this county, on horseback came to Lynnfield. He called at 
the minister's, Rev. Mr. Mottey's, to engage a situation as 
teacher of the Centre School. He was directed by him to go 
a mile farther, to one of the committee. Arriving there, the 
door was opened by one of Lynnfield's fair young ladies, per- 
haps twenty years of age, who showed him into the house, 
where the school was engaged. He then went back to his 
home, and in stating the circumstances to his father, men- 
tioned the man's name. His father had a wonderful memory, 
and told his son to ask the gentleman, after he had given an 
excellent description of him, if he was not at the battle of 
Ticonderoga, and if he remembered seeing one who was there, 
which all proved true ; and it proved true that the young man, 
and lady who ushered him into her home, were after 
married, and lived not only threescore and ten years, but an- 
other score added to that, raised a fine family, and are now 
resting in Lynnfield Centre. 

Let's find the fields where our old sires 

Were trained for martial glory, 
And learned to face the hostile fires 

And write their names in story; 
Inspect iht firelock, pouch, and horn, 

Th.Q priming-wire and duster, 
The two spare flints and old canteen, 

At trainings and at muster . 

L. Eaton. 



Il6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Every schoolboy has learned of the tea in connection with 
the war of the Revolution, but a footnote from the Memorial 
History of Boston is so interesting that we insert it in this 
connection : "Charles Waterton, the enterprising traveller and 
naturalist of Walton Hall, Wakefield, Yorkshire, makes a 
humorous reference to the Tea Party in his autobiography, 
written between 1812 and 1824." " It is but some forty 
years ago, our western brother had a dispute with his nurse 
about a cup of tea. She wanted to force the boy to drink it 
according to her own receipt. He said he did not like it and 
that it absolutely made him ill. After a good deal of spar- 
ring she took up the birch rod and began to whip him with 
uncommon severity. He turned upon her in self-defence, 
showed her to the outside of the nursery door and never more 
allowed her to meddle with his affairs." 



Uncultured, rough, yet strong and true, 
Who all life's humliler duties knew, — 
Such men as these the times could boast, 
The " van of Freedom's stalwart host." 

E. Parsons. 



It is said that at the north part of the town a rocking-chair 
swayed to and fro all night while the battle of Lexington was 
going on. A cannon ball was fired at the battle of Bunker 
Hill over into Maiden, and was preserved in this vicinity till 
1834, and was then sold for old iron, after having been rumbled 
over the attic floor thousands of times. 

An old table is in existence here that was taken from a 
house in Charlestown when the town was burnt in 1775. 

The following is the epitaph on the hero of the Revolu- 
tion's tombstone : — 




REV. HARRY L. BRICKETT. 



OF LYNNFIELD, ^MASS. II7 

' Sacred to the memory of Mr Daniel Townsend who was slain at the 
Battle of Lexington April 19, 1775 — aged 36. 

Lie valiant Townsend, in the peaceful shades we trust 

Immortal honors mingle with thy dust — 

What though thy body struggled in its gore 

So did thy Saviour's long before 

And as he raised his own by power divine 

So that same power shall quicken thine 

And in eternal glory may'st thou shine." 

His wife died just six months afterwards. 



Il8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 



CHAPTER VIII. 
Ecclesiastical History. 

The Second Church of Lynn, now the First of Lynnfield, 
was formed Aug. 17, 1720, five years after the erection of the 
meeting-house and one hundred after the settlement of 
Plymouth. Although this was the Second Church of Lynn, 
most of the inhabitants attended and belonged to the First 
Church in Reading, now the First in Wakefield, which was 
formed in 1644; some, however, went to Lynn. The num- 
ber of members at its formation was twenty, and we have be- 
fore us a list of nineteen more who lived here. 

Rev. Nathaniel Sparhawk was the first pastor. He was 
ordained Aug. 17, 1720. He was son of Rev. Nathaniel 
Sparhawk of Cambridge, where he was born 1694. His wife 
was Elizabeth Perkins of Lynnfield. She died May 12, 1768. 
■His salary was seventy pounds a year. His house stood on 
the spot now occupied by the Whitteridge Wheeler house, and 
he graduated at Harvard College, i 7 1 5 . He had four children : 
Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Edward Perkins, and John. Tradition 
says the latter was an eminent physician in Philadelphia. 

The following is a copy of Rev. Mr. Sparhawk's letter of 
acceptance as pastor of the church in Lynn End, now Lynn- 
field : — 

January ye 21, 1719-20. 
Dear friends and beloved 

After service presented to you it may be not all improper to inform 
you with respect to a few things 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. II9 

Whereas God from whom we have our beings and for whose service 
and glory we are to improve ourselves, and in his soverign pleasure 
disposes man for ye administration of ye affairs of his kingdom in this 
world has in his providence disposed your hearts to make choice of my- 
self the most unworthy for to teach and instruct you in ye mysterys of 
his kingdom and further ye in the way of your salvation and also inclined 
you to grant a Compitsey of outward things according to your ability for 
my support and subsistance. 

In consideration of these I accept of your call praying to God for grace 
and strength that I may be enabled to perform all dutys and services in- 
cumbent on me as also that a peaceable and healing spirit may be 
amongst you that you m.ay dwell together in unity and further one 
anothers peace and comfort, thus far I thought fit to acquaint you, and 
take leafe to subscribe myself yours and Christs to serve 

NATH'LL SPARHAWK. 

The following is a part of the covenant used at the time : — 

" In humble dependence on free grace for divine assistance and accept- 
ance we do in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord freely covenant and 
bind ourselves solemnly in the presence of God himself his holy angels 
and all his servants here present to serve the only true God, Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost, whose name alone is Jehovah, cleaving to him, as our 
chief good and unto our Lord Jesus Christ as the only Saviour the 
Prophet, Priest, and King of our souls in a way of Gospel obedience 
Avowing the Lord to be our God and of our children whom we give 
unto him, and resolve that we and our houses will serve the Lord counting 
it as an high favor, that the Lord will accept of us and our children with 
us to be his people " 

The Hst appended, containing some of the first members of 
the church, is certainly interesting in this connection : — 
Thomas Wellman. Ebenezer Bancroft. 

Ebenezer Person. Hugh Henry. 

Thomas Goold. Jonathan Wellman. 

Moses Aborn. Stephen Wellman. 

Jeremiah Eaton. Martha Aborn. 

Jonathan Person. Sarah Latherbee. 

Ezeikel Gowing. Ruth Goold. 

John Williams. Elizabeth Aborn. 



I20 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Mary Bancroft. Sarah Frost. 

Abigail Hodgman. Hannah Person. 

Mehitable Osgood. Mary Boutwell. 

Elizabeth Whitford. Hepsibel Person. 

Rebecca Williams. Tabitha Person. 

Mary Henry. Margaret Chambers. 

Abigail Govving. Abigail Aborn. 

Patience Bancroft. Elizabeth Bancroft. 

Martha Gowing. Sarah Eaton. 

Martha Chambers. Mary Gowing. 

Mary Wellman. Mary Gloyde. 

John Wellman. Mehitable Wellman. 

Samuel Latherbee. Elizabeth Sparhawk. 

Daniel Gowing. Mary Bancroft. 

John Perkins. Hannah Gowing. 

The records of the church during Rev. Mr. Sparhawk's 
ministry could not be obtained of him, as he felt he had not 
been in some ways kindly used, so the records do not com- 
mence till 1732. 

The title-page reads : — 

" Deacon John Bancrofts Gift to ye 2(1 Church in Lynn Anno Dom. 
1732 Nov'br ye 29 Anno Christi " 

Rev. Stephen Chase was the second pastor of the church. 
He was born at Newbury, Mass., 1705, graduated at Harvard 
College, 1728, and was ordained over this church, Nov. 24, 
1 73 1. The churches invited to sit in council and for the 
ordination were. First in Lynn, Second and Third in Salem, 
Second in Hampton, First in Stoneham, and First and 
Second in Reading, — seven churches in all. He married Jane 
Wingate, of Hampton, in 1732. They had five children, born 
in Lynnfield, viz. : Abraham, Stephen, Jane, Stephen, 2d, 
and Mary. He resigned his pastoral office in 1755, going to 
Newcastle, was resettled, and died there in 1778. His salary 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 121 

in Lynnfield was ^loo. It is worthy of remark that for the 
next hundred years in this place the name of Stephen was 
very common. 

The next and third pastor was Rev. Benjamin Adams, also 
a native of Newbury, Mass., being born there May 8, 17 19, a 
graduate of Harvard College when but nineteen years of age ; 
ordained Nov. 5, 1755. His letter of acceptance read as 

follows : — 

Lynn End Sept. 29. 1755 
To YE 2 Chh. and Congregation in Lynn 

Beloved Brethren, — You have sometime since seen meet very unani- 
mously to call me to be your Pastor and as I understand your desires are the 
same — not diminished but increased and as I have had proper time for 
consideration, I now accept your call and I hope I can say not without 
some consideration. "But who is sufficient for these things" says the 
Apostle 2 Cor. 2 and therefore I shall have your prayers &c B. ADAMS. 

Mr. Adams had seven children born in this place. They 
were, Rebekah ; Dr. Benjamin, born Sept. 7, 1758, married 
Eunice Orne, of Lynnfield, and died here Jan. 16, 1811, aged 
fifty-three years ; Elizabeth, Sarah, Ann, Joseph and Nathan, 
twins. His wife, Rebecca, died less than a year preceding 
his death, of consumption or dropsy, after two years and four 
months' illness, in 'the forty- third year of her age. He died 
May 4, 1777, of a short illness, in the fifty-eighth year of his 
age and twenty-second of his ministry. It is said that he 
died in his pulpit in the old meeting-house. At his death 
the parish defrayed the expense of his funeral, procured his 
gravestone, and voted that his family have the improvement 
of the parsonage for that year. He was buried near the first 
minister of Lynnfield, but the headstone has lain for many 
years in a shattered condition, and could hardly be deciphered 
many years ago. The footstone is very large, stands erect, 
and is still very easy to read. 

Rev. Benjamin Adams had a twin brother, who graduated 
at Harvard, 1742, four years after his brother. They were born 



122 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

in that part of Newbury called " By field." The brother's name 
was Joseph. He was a preacher of the New Light persuasion, in 
his native town, for some years, and was afterwards settled in 
Stratham, N. H., June 24, 1756, and died Feb. i, 1785, aged 
66 years. 

Rev. Joseph Mottey was the fourth pastor of this church, 
born May 14, 1756, and graduated at Dartmouth College, 
Aug. 26, 1778. He preached as a candidate in Marblehead, 
Beverly, Ipswich, Rowley, and Newbury, receiving calls from 
the last two societies. After supplying the pulpit at Lynnfield 
for three years, he was ordained Sept. 24, 1783. He married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Joseph Moody, of York, Maine. 
She died 27th of August, 1787, aged 32 years. His children 
were, Charles, Elias, Charles, Edward, Betsey, and Eliza ; all 
of them preceded him in death, with the exception of the last. 
He is said to have been very sensitive, fond of retirement, and 
it is related of him that he preached more than forty years within 
nine miles of his birthplace and never exchanged pulpits there. 
Several works of his were printed which are still in existence. 
He took great interest in all things about him, and was a great 
favorite with his people. 

He died on Monday, July 9, 182 1, after but five days' sick- 
ness, and was laid to rest as the sun went down, by his request, 
in as simple and quiet a manner as possible ; and we see that 
this church had but four pastors for more than a century. 
Rev. Mr. Mottey was sixty-six years of age and in the thirty- 
eighth of his ministry, at the time of his death. 

To show his love for his adopted home we copy a sentence 
written by him bearing date April 6, 1795 : — 

" By the aid you have herein afforded me should things 
return to their old channel I hope by prudence and economy 
to be able in a few years to place myself in such a situation as 
to be able to spend the remainder of my days among a people 
with whom it has ever been my wish to live and die." 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. I23 

He desired that all his sermons, about three thousand in num- 
ber, should be destroyed, which was done; and he also wished 
no public services in the meeting-house, but that everything be 
done as quietly as possible at his funeral. 

The fifth pastor was the Rev. Joseph Searle, who was born 
at Rowley, Mass., Dec. 2, 1789, and was a graduate of Dart- 
mouth in 181 5, and was ordained as pastor of the First Church, 
Jan. 21, 1824. He resigned Sept. 27, 1827, and removed to 
Stoneham. 

Mr. Searle was unmarried, and all the time he was pastor 
everything seemed to be uphill work. He is said to have been 
thoroughly Orthodox, and at Mr. Mottey's death it was thought 
that the congregation would never be united on another man — 
and it proved true. 

The first four pastorates of this church extended over a 
century, but the fifth hardly covered three years. 

The deacons of this church have been William Eaton, Dec. 
20, 1733; John Bancroft, Dec. 20, 1733; Daniel Townsend, 
1738; Daniel Mansfield, March 8, 1756; Nathaniel Ban- 
croft, May 31, 1763; John Perkins, 1823; John Mansfield, 
April I, 1824 ; Samuel Aborn, June i, 1864 ; Warren Bancroft, 
June 17, 1823; John Perkins, July 3, 1839; WiUiam Smith, 
Nov. 5, 1847 ; John Herrick, May 3, 1867 ; Joseph T. Ban- 
croft, Sept. 6, 1876; George E. Herrick, Feb. 19, 1879; 
ThomasB. Wellman, April 23, 1882 ; William R. Roundy, 1887. 

The church was at its foundation strictly Orthodox. At 
the time of Rev. Mr. Mottey's settlement, in 1 783, it was 
objected to his becoming pastor of the church by Rev. Mr. 
Stone of Reading, it being thought that he was much too rigid. 
The next year, Feb. 23, 1784 : — 

" The Church met according to adjournment and voted unanimously 
that the practise of admitting persons to covenant, and in consequence 
thereof granting them the privilege of Baptism for their children while 
they themselves neglect the ordinance of the Lord's Supper appears to 



124 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

them unscriptural — and voted to admit no persons in future into covenant 
except those who come up to the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. 

" Attest : J. MOTTEY." 

After the dismissal of Rev. Joseph Searle, Lynnfield had 
no regular minister for several years. 

A part of the society remained Orthodox, and a part be- 
came Unitarians ; these offered the Orthodox party joint occu- 
pancy of the church, also to have all the evangelical preaching 
they could pay for, promising to attend upon such preaching 
as well as upon their own. The Methodists had withdrawn 
before the death of Mr. Mottey, causing him much trouble. 

In 1832 eighteen persons withdrew to form "a rehgious so- 
ciety to be known as the Orthodox Evangelical Society in Lynn- 
field." Resort was had to arbitration to dispose of a part of the 
church property, Benjamin Merrill and Asahel Huntington be- 
ing arbitrators. They decided that " the stove and communion 
plate formerly owned by the First Congregational Society in 
Lynnfield still belong to said society." Also, that " said trustees 
shall pay to said First Congregational Society the sum of one 
hundred and seventy- five dollars, part of the fund held by said 
trustees; . . . that the residue of said trust moneys subscribed 
in 1 81 8 belongs and shall be paid to said Orthodox Evangeli- 
cal Society for its use." 

Among those who left, it is said, were the trustees, the Sun- 
day-school superintendent, the deacons, and most of the mem- 
bers of the church. 

About the year 1830 efforts were made to establish Unita- 
rian preaching, but no minister of that faith was settled in the 
town ; for twelve years there was no settled minister except 
the three of Mr. Searle's pastorate ; there were many causes 
to weaken the church and society; there was a partial supply 
of preaching by the Unitarians ; for over ten years, services 
were not held in the old church, most of the members attend- 
ing the church across the street, of which Rev. Henry S. Green 
was pastor. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 25 

The Universalist Home Missionary Society took possession 
of the field. The old meeting-house was opened Dec. i6, 1849, 
Rev. George H. Emerson being the first preacher. After him 
we remember Rev. Carlos Marston, a man of great worth, who 
afterward became a physician at Dedham, Mass. Rev. Luther 
Walcott was ordained 1854, and continued till the close of the 
next year, when he was dismissed. Sermons were read from 
eminent preachers in this pulpit by Mr. Ebenezer Parsons, a 
native of Lynnfield, and at the present time town clerk, from 
June 29, 1856, till May, 1864. After a recess of one year 
services were recommenced, and continued until July, 1879. 
Since then there have been but occasional meetings. One of 
great interest was held on Sept. 8, 1881, and as was said in the 
" sketch" * of the First Religious Society in Lynnfield, read be- 
fore the Essex Unitarian Conference : "One date more in my 
history a large congregation is assembled in the old church. 
From far and near they have come to fill it once more and to 
do honor to its one hundred and sixty-six years, have met to 
listen to a few incidents scattered along the years of the 
simple story of a little spring that bubbled up here, sparkling 
with the waters of religious liberty that in 1620, ninety-five 
years before, fell in a quiet but copious shower to be stored 
up 'neath the rocks and in the soil of a virgin continent, that 
the thirsty of all lands might come and drink." 

It is a fact that nine generations in succession have wor- 
shipped in the old meeting-house. 

The Orthodox Evangelical Society was organized September, 
1832, with twelve members. Rev. Josiah Hill, from Henniker, 
N. H., was pastor of this church from Oct. 23, 1833, to April 
23, 1837. He was born at Bradford, Mass., 1792. When 
he removed from this place his wife and son still remained 
here, and both of them died and are buried here ; the son^ 
Joseph by name, leaving a widow and two sons. 

Rev. Mr. Hill removed to the West, and I think had a 
* By E. Parsons. 



126 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

second wife. He lived many years after he left this place, 
which he used afterward to visit. When he came to live here 
he resided in the Wheeler house, but he afterward built the 
house now occupied by William E. Roundy, near the Common. 
Services were at first held in the Centre Schoolhouse, which 
stood on the same spot as the present building, till the new 
house of worship was built, which was dedicated October, 
1833. This is the same one now used by the parish, having 
obtained the age of more than threescore years, and it is in 
most respects the same as when built. It is still surmounted 
by an altar steeple, so common in those times. The dimen- 
sions of the church edifice proper are the same as when it was 
built. In many ways of course it has been modernized : 
new stained glass windows have been put in, the pulpit has 
come down a notch, a chapel has been added to the rear with 
its kitchen, dining-room, and library ; the box stove has been 
taken out, and the building is now heated by a furnace ; concrete 
walks have been made around the building, and the light- 
ing apparatus has been greatly increased and improved, till the 
building is quite a gem for the place. 

Rev. Henry Solomon Green was a native of Boston ; was 
ordained as pastor of the church at Lynnfield, from which he 
had received a call, Nov. 6, 1837, Dec. 27, 1837. The 
churches represented were those of South Reading, now Wake- 
field, Middleton, Reading, Danvers, Peabody First, Wenham, 
and North Reading. The council met at the house of Mr. 
Whittredge at nine o'clock. The exercises of ordination 
commenced at the church at 11. 15 o'clock. The intro- 
ductory prayer was by Rev. Mr. Jefford of Middleton ; sermon 
by Rev. Mr. Braman of Danvers; ordaining prayer by Rev. 
Mr. Park of Peabody ; charge by Rev. Mr. Emerson of Wake- 
field ] right hand of fellowship by Rev. Mr. Mansfield ; address 
to the people by Rev. Mr. Pickett ; concluding prayer by Rev. 
Mr. Orcutt. Rev. Daniel Mansfield of Wenham, and Dea. 



( 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 27 

James Brown, delegate from Peabody, were both natives of 
Lynnfield. 

Soon the old church was closed, and the members of the 
parish worshipped with this church till near the time Rev. Mr. 
Green went away, in April, 1850. 

The next pastor was Rev. U. W. Condit, who was ordained 
October, 1S50, having come from Orange, N. J. He was a 
very active man, and under his care the church and society 
prospered greatly. At the time of his removal here he had 
one son and three daughters ; and one daughter, Gertrude, 
was born at the Lynnfield parsonage, who is still living. Rev. 
Mr. Condit was settled immediately over the church in Deer- 
field, N. H., on his dismissal from Lynnfield Centre, which oc- 
curred at his own request. He has since been blind, is now 
aged. 

The next pastor was Rev. Edwin R. Hodgman, a native of 
Camden, Me., where he was born Oct. 21, 18 19. He was 
settled at Lunenburg, Mass., previous to his coming here. 
He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1843, ^^^c^ ^t x'Vndover 
Theological Seminary, 1846. His first wife was Miss Harriett 
Hill, of Mason, N. H. ; and the second, whom he married on 
coming to this place, was Miss Abby Symonds. 

He was installed Jan. 9, 1856, and dismissed Nov. 30, 1858 ; 
and was afterward pastor at Westford, Mass. He also wrote the 
history of that town, a large work which shows great care and 
accuracy. He is now living at West Roxbury, and oc- 
casionally visits this his former parish, where he is held in high 
esteem. He has a son Edwin, and a daughter Hattie M. 

During the interim of settled pastors. Rev. William C. Whit- 
comb, a native of Marlboro, N. H., son of Dea. Simeon Whit- 
comb, was acting pastor. His time of service began March 
14, 1859. He married Miss Harriet Lincoln, a cousin. They 
had a large family of children. His former pastorates were at 
Stoneham, Globe Village, and North Carver. He enlisted as 



128 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

a chaplain in the army, went to North Carolina, and died at 
Morehead City in that State, Oct. 27, 1 863, aged forty-three. 

The next settled pastor was Rev. Moses Bradford Board- 
man, who was born in the parsonage at Francestown, N, H., 
May 25, 1833; graduated at Amherst College, i860, and at 
Union Seminary, N. Y., and Andover Seminary, Mass. He 
was married to Miss Ellen Barbour, who was born at Greens- 
boro, Ga., Aug. 28, 1839; married at Harwinton, Conn., 
Sept. 17, 1863 ; ordained at Lynnfield, Oct. i, 1863 ; and he 
and his wife were much beloved by his people. He was dis- 
missed Nov. 12, 1870. His children, born at Lynnfield, were 
Francis Barbour, born Dec. 12, 1864; Sarah Bradford, born 
Nov. 8, 1867, she died here Feb. 22, 1869, of scarlet fever, 
and sleeps in Forest Hill Cemetery ; Henry B., born Aug. 
7, 1869. Mr. Boardman was installed at Brimfield, Mass., Dec. 
I, 1870, and dismissed 1873. He now resides in Connecticut- 
Rev. Oliver P. Emerson, a native of the Sandwich Islands, 
where his father, Rev. John Emerson, was a missionary, was 
the next pastor. He was a graduate of Andover Theological 
Seminary, and when he was ordained Prof. Smythe preached 
the sermon, Sept. 13, 187 1. Rev. Constantine Blodgett, 
D. D., was the moderator of the council. He was never married, 
and was dismissed July 2, 1873. He was afterwards settled at 
Peacedale, R. I., and at length returned to his native land. 
The following is his letter of resignation : — 

To THE Orthodox Church of Lynnfield Centre. 

Dear Brethren and Felloio- Workers in Christ, — Your pastor would 
submit his resignation to the consideration of the church and society, to 
take effect on the second day of July next. A pastorate which to him has 
been fraught with many a pleasant memory, and to his people he trusts 
not without some good and kindly influence, is ready to resign to the end 
that the best interests of the work of the Master which concerns us may be 
forwarded. Yours in the bonds of Christ, 

OLIVER C. EMERSON. 

Lynnfield Centre, April 12, 1873. 




HENRY BANCROFT, 2d. 



OF I.VNNFIEI.D, MASS. 1 29 

The next pastor in town, who was settled over both of the 
Orthodox Congregational churches, was Rev. Darius Bullock 
Scott, and he remained about three years, being installed 
over them Sept. 3, 1874, and dismissed, at his own request, 
April 10, 1877. Rev. Mr. Scott was afterwards settled at Clinton, 
Mass., and is now a preacher in the far West. 

The preacher the next Sabbath after Mr. Scott's depart- 
ure was Rev. Edward O. Bartlett, successor of Rev. John 
Todd, D. D., of Pittsfield, perhaps the most talented preacher 
this church ever had. He was acting pastor about two years. 
He is now Rev. Edward O. Bartlett, D. D., and is settled in 
Providence, R. I. His wife was a daughter of Hon. A. C. 
Barstow of Rhode Island, and one of their children was 
born here. Dr. Bartlett often preaches in his former pulpit 
with great acceptance. 

April I, 1880, Rev. Calvin B. McLean was stated supply 
for one year. He came from New Boston, part of Sandisfield, 
in this State, and left here for Vineland, N. J., preaching here 
just a year. Rev. Harry L. Brickett, a native of Newburyport 
(the third minister in Lynnfield born in ancient Newbury) 
was the next pastor, and remained twelve years. The 
house is still standing where he first saw the light, Sept. 14, 
1852. He was a graduate of Oberlin College, Ohio, 1875, 
and of Andover Theological Seminary, 1882. He came to 
Lynnfield, Sept. i, 1882. He was dismissed Sept. 27, 1894, 
and preached his farewell sermon the last day of September, 
1894. He commenced his labors in Marion, Mass., Oct. i, 
1894. His people at Lynnfield Centre gave him a very hand- 
some quartered oak sideboard and several pieces of cut glass 
to take away with him. He was married Aug. 5, 1885, to Miss 
Amelia Herring, daughter of Dr. Frederick and Mrs. Amelia 
Herring of Elkhart, Ind. They have one child, Helen Irene, 
born Feb. 27, 1890. He was installed pastor of the Congrega- 
tional Church at Marion, Mass., Nov. 28, 1894. 



130 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

The following is the letter of resignation of Rev. H. L. 
Brickett to the churches of Lynnfield : — 

To THE OkTHODOX CONGREGATIONAL ChURCH AND SOCIETY OF LyNN- 

iTELD Centre, and the Second Congre(;ational Church of 
Lynnfield. 

Dear Brethren, — It is known to you that for some time I have been 
considering a call to another field of labor. It came to me unsolicited 
and unsought. I knew nothing whatever of the vacancy until I was 
invited to preach there on exchange. I went. The Lord inclined the 
hearts of that people to me, and they have honored you and me alike in 
the unanimous call that a few days ago I received at their hands. Such 
an opening to a pastor cannot lightly be set aside. There is in its answer 
a question of duty. I have sought to be guided in my choice by the 
Great Head of the church, and my prayer has been, " not my will in this 
matter, but thine, O Lord, be done." 

Believing it to be God's will, I do now resign the sacred trust which 
twelve years ago you unanimously placed in my care as your pastor. 

In so doing my love for you is in no degree weakened, nor is my 
interest in your welfare in any way abated. In the prosperity and growth 
of these two churches, whose struggles and triumphs have been linked so 
closely to my own experience and life, because their pastor, I shall ever 
cherish the deepest interest. 

That I love you, my dear people, you know full well. My service 
with you has been long and varied. I came to you direct from Andover 
Seminary. You received me gladly, you welcomed me cordially. After 
three years of service I found, like Jacob of old, in a far country, my bride 
and brought her to the parsonage. You gave to her a welcome no less 
cordial and hearty than you had given to me. Here our little Helen 
Irene was born. You rejoiced with us in such a precious addition to our 
household. 

I have been with you, brethren, at your marriage feasts, I have spoken 
the last words at the burial of your dead, I have laid my hands in l)ap- 
tism upon the heads of your children, I have welcomed many a disciple 
to your membership, who, in the presence of this church, has entered into 
the rich blessings of the Gospel, and covenanted at this sacred altar to 
walk with God and his people in love. I have rejoiced with you in the 
erection of a chapel at each church for the furtherance of the Lord's 
work in your midst. I have been permitted to see each building trans- 
formed by your generous gifts into the beautiful edifices in which we meet 
from Sunday to Sunday, and together worship the Lord in his sanctuaries. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 13I 

in the beauty of holiness; I have given many an address in Lynnfield to 
the Grand Army of the Republic, whose heroism and devotion these 
churches have been prompt to recognize. It was to you, my dear people, 
that my honored father preached the last Sunday of his earthly ministry. 
It was in your evening meetings that the dear sister, whose voice less than 
twelve months ago was hushed forever, gave such faithful witness for her 
Lord and Master. 

These memories crowd upon me as, by this act of resignation, I sever 
the ties of so long standing. You, on your part, have been kind, con- 
siderate, loving, and faithful. No other church or people could be more 
so. You have held up your pastor's hands; you have cheered him in his 
hours of depression; you have rejoiced with him in his seasons of pros- 
perity and gladness. 

Therefore, it is with a heart full of love and gratitude to you, and of 
sadness at the thought of separation and leaving my first pastorate, that I 
voice this resignation to-day. 

I ask that these two churches unite with me in calling, in the near 
future, a council of the neighboring churches and pastors to consider our 
action, and advise with us in reference to the same. 

If judged expedient by them and you, I would name Sunday, Sept. 30, 
as the date when my pastorate in Lynnfield shall end. 

With the earnest prayer that God's blessing may rest upon you in all the 
days to come, and upon his work everywhere, and wishing you grace, 
mercy, and peace, I am. 

Yours in the bonds of Christian love, 

HARRY L. BRICKETT. 
Lynnfield Centre, Mass., Sept. 8, 1894. 

The present pastor of the two churches is Rev. George E. 
Freeman of Boston. 

There are in this town perhaps half a dozen Cathohc 
famihes. Most of them are highly respected. They belong 
to the parish of Wakefield. John McCarty, son of Charles 
and Mary, born at this town Dec. 9, 1872, has been fitting 
for a priest. He was a scholar in the public schools of this 
town, and has been obliged to leave his college duties and 
return home on account of ill health, but is gaining at the 
present and will probably return after a season. 



132 HISTORY OF 'JHE TOWN 



PARSONAGES OF LYNNFIELD. 



"Oct 25, 1 73 1. Voted to procure a convenient house and barn as 
convenient to ye meeting house as may be, with accomodations to keep 
3 cows I horse and 10 sheep, and 2 acres of land to raise some necces- 
saries for a family. 

" Ye house to be 36 feet long and 19 wide and ye barn 20 feet square, 
ye house to have a convenient cellar and two stacks of chimnys." 

This house was the parsonage, and stood where the late 
Judge Nash's residence now is. The house had a lean-to after- 
ward added. The place at the time was known as the 
" Charlestown farm." (See 1678 in the Annals.) At the time 
it was purchased it belonged to the Bancrofts. 

During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Sparhawk no pajsonage 
had been provided, as he had a wife to the manor born, 
for she inherited a part of her father's estate, he having died 
while she was a child and leaving a competency. 

At the time of Rev. Mr. Mottey's settlement, the parsonage 
was given him " in lieu of settlement," and at his death de- 
scended to his only child and daughter who lived and died 
there ; and after the death of her husband, Capt. Henry Ban- 
croft, it was sold by his daughter, Mrs. Cyrus Wakefield, to 
the present occupants. The house now standing was built 
about 1 8 10. 

The parsonage of the Evangelical Society is located almost 
ojiposite that of the one built by the old parish. 

A ministerial company was formed in 1839. The land 
formerly belonged to the Bryant farm. It was bought and 
a house built for Rev. Henry S. Green and successors. The 
shares were twenty- five dollars apiece, and there were fifty- 
seven, as follows : — 

Andrew Mansfield . . . . 10 shares. 

Daniel Needham . . . . 10 " 

John Mansfield .... 8 " 

Thomas Bancroft .... 2 " 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 



133 



John Perkins .... 


8 shares 


Oliver Swain .... 


I " 


William Smith 


4 " 


Joshua Hewes ... 


4 " 


Andrew Mansfield, Jr. . 


5 " 


Henry Bancroft, 2d 


3 " 


Benjamin Shute 


1 " 


William Smith, Jr. . 


I " 



Dec. 14 it was agreed to give the income of the parsonage 
as a standing subscription to the Orthodox Society, in part 
payment of the salary of the minister of said society. April 
25, 1842, the shares were tendered to the society. 

The parsonage remains much as when built, except some 
improvements. 

The parsonage has been the birthplace of children of the 
following ministers : Rev. Henry S. Green, Rev. U. W. Gon- 
dii, Rev. E. R. Hodgman, Rev. W. G. Whitcomb, Rev. E. O. 
Bartlett, Rev. D. B. Scott, and Rev. Harry L. Brickett. 

The parsonage is now owned entirely by the society. The 
barn was a gift from I)ea. John Herrick, Oct. 9, 1878. 



THE LADIES CIRCLE. 

'l"he ladies' circle of this church and society was formed 
April 5, 1838, and is still in a flourishing condition. Among 
its objects accomplished have been aid to the poor, frequent 
assistance in the payment of the minister's salary, various 
improvements in the church building and parsonage, the 
erection of a chapel, the practical rebuilding of the parson- 
age well, and the covering with concrete of a large space in 
front of the church and chapel. The preamble of their con- 
stitution is as follows : — 

"Desirous of contril)uting to the great objects of benevolence which 
characterize the present day, and considering industry and economy as 



134 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

prominent virtues, and moral and religious improvement as very desirable, 
we, the undersigned, associate ourselves for the promotion of those objects 
under the following constitution." 

This circle has been a great benefit to this place in its fifty- 
seven years of existence. It was the prime mover in binding 
the chapel of the Centre Church. It has furnished many 
entertainments. It has cultivated the sociability of the town. 
It has rendered substantial aid many times, and it has made 
the surroundings much more beautiful and agreeable. 

SABBATH SCHOOLS. 

The first Sabbath school in Lynnfield was in the old meet- 
ing-house in 1823, under the preaching of Rev. Abner Morse. 
Its first superintendent was John Aborn. Rev. Joseph Searle 
was settled here the next year and became also superintend- 
ent of the school. 

Dea. Warren Bancroft was superintendent for many years. 

William Perkins was superintendent about 1836. 

Benjamin Shute was superintendent for two years. 

Dea. John Perkins followed him. 

Dea. William Smith was chosen superintendent in 1841, 
and continued sixteen years. 

Rev. E. R. Hodgman in 1856. 

Levi H. Russell in 1857, and continued for five years, dur- 
ing which time the Sabbath-school concert was introduced. 

George E. Herrick was superintendent for six years, com- 
mencing in 1862. 

Joseph T. Bancroft was superintendent in 1868, and for 
several years. 

The next was Charles H. Haggett. 

William E. Norwood, 1877, for three years. 

Lyman B. Smith, 1880-85. 

George H. S. Driver, 1885, for three years. 

J. Winslow Perkins, 1888, for four years. 

Charles E. Pearson, 1892, for three years. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 35 

METHODIST CHURCH. 

The Methodist Society of Lynnfield was formed April 2, 
1 81 6. Among its first trustees were the well-known names of 
Daniel Mansfield, John Upton, Jr., Eben. Parsons, Jr., Oliver 
Swain, Jeremiah Coney, Enoch Russell, and Willard Wiley. 
The first and only meeting-house was built north of where the 
town hall now stands, in 1823. It was in the form of a chapel 
of those times, but was burned to the ground, the fire catching 
from a neighboring house on the evening of Sept. 25, 1894. 
For many years it had not been used as a house of worship, 
but as a paint shop. The land was given by Ebenezer 
Parsons, and was to revert to its original owner if not used 
for the site of a church building. 

The preachers were Rev. Ephraim Wiley, 181 6, 1821, 1826, 
1827, 1828, 1829 ; Rev. Orlando Haynes, 181 9 ; Rev. Warren 
Emerson, 1825; Rev. Mark Staples, 1830; Rev. Hezekiah 
Thatcher, 1833; Rev. John Bailey, 1834; Rev. James Wash- 
burn, 1846 ; and many others. 

Lynnfield has been the home of many Methodists. An 
effort was made years ago to establish a church of this faith 
at the south part of the town, but it has not been permanently 
successful. 

SOUTH CHURCH. 

In 1849 Rev. Ariel P. Chute of Harrison, Me., a graduate 
of Dummer Academy in Newbury, came to Lynnfield, and 
opened a school at the south part of the town. In 1853 he 
removed his family thither, and was instrumental in gather- 
ing the church there, which is Orthodox Congregational. 

A council convened Jan. 18, 1854. The churches present 
were, Tabernacle, Salem, Rev. S. M. Worcester, D. D., pastor ; 
church in Saugus, Rev. L. Brigham, pastor, and Dea. 
Joseph Harris, delegate ; church in Lynnfield Centre, Rev. 
U. W. Condit, pastor, Bro. Joseph Rhodes, delegate ; 



136 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

church in North Danvers, Bro. Francis Phelps, delegate. 
Rev. Reuben Emerson of South Reading, and Rev. Luther 
Farnum of Boston, were also present on invitation. Rev. Dr. 
Worcester was chosen moderator ; and Rev. U. W. Condit, 
scribe. 

The deacons have been Adam Hawkes, 1857, died 1869 ; 
John B. H. Fuller, Byron Richardson, March 7, 1875. 

At the organization of the church the introductory services 
were by Rev. Levi Brigham ; reading of the confession of 
faith and convenant, the assent of the candidates to the same, 
baptizing of those not previously baptized, and address to the 
new church by the moderator ; consecrating prayer by the 
Rev. Reuben Emerson ; right hand of fellowship by Rev. 
\J. W. Condit ; concluding prayer and benediction by Rev. 
A. P. Chute. 

The names of the original members were : — 

Adam Hawkes. Hannah Mansfield. 

William C. Mansfield. Lorena Mansfield. 

Rev. Ariel P. Chute. Sarah M. W. Chute. 

Abigail R. Moulton. Sally Spinney. 

Elizabeth C. Moulton. Mary Burdett. 

Sophia Titcomb. Esther Chandler. 

Susan B. Mansfield. Lydia Hobson. 

In 1854 the Edwards Church of Boston presented the church 
with a communion service and a table. The church held 
religious services in a building that had been fitted for a 
chapel till their present house of worship was dedicated, after 
great effort, Nov. 18, 1857. It was placed on a lot donated 
by Gen. Josiah Newhall, but a short distance from his residence. 

Rev. Allan Gannett began his ministrations to this church 
Jan. I, 1858. 

Rev. Jacob Hood commenced as acting pastor in 1865. 





LL_ikl 



I 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. I37 

Rev. Darius B. Scott was installed as pastor of this and the 
Central Church, Sept. 3, 1874. 

Rev. Harry L. Brickett was installed June 15, 1882, as 
pastor of this church, and also the Central. He was dismissed, 
after twelve years of faithful service, Sept. 27, 1894, and was 
installed at Marion, Mass., Nov. 22, 1894. During Rev. 
H. L. Brickett's ministry a new set of pulpit furniture was 
given by the ladies' union. A piano was bought, and a new 
chapel built and dedicated, the latter in 1893. 

Dr. Connor B. Swasey, having left by will in 1892 over |6oo 
for the use of this church, a subscription was started to build 
a chapel, and the amount was so largely increased that the 
building was dedicated free from debt, 1894. A piece of land 
was given by Miss Lucy Brown. A vote of thanks was passed 
" in appreciation of the generous giver by whose remembrance 
the church had been so richly blessed," and the memorial said 
that " this new building will be a reminder of him so pleasantly 
known in life, now gone to his reward." 

The belfry of this church edifice contains a bell, the second 
church bell in Lynnfield. An excellent picture illustrating 
this building may be found in this work. It is located on 
Salem Street, and was nicely frescoed in 1894. 

As may be readily conjectured, it is a daughter of the 
church at Lynnfield Centre, and we think it is destined to do 
great good in the community where it is located, and in a few 
years perhaps will be known as the " Old South," an honored 
title for any church in any place. This church has, of course, 
its Sabbath school with its library, its missionary society, and 
other appurtenances needful to such an organization. 



138 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 



CHAPTER IX. 

Date of Town, etc. 

It is interesting to note the early facts of this or any town. 
As early as 1678, the distance was so great to the mother 
church of Lynn that many of them went to the " Redding " 
church, and the meeting-house became so crowded that there 
was not room. When the " Old Tunnell " was to be built there 
was much discussion as to where it should be built. The 
north and west parts of Lynn wishing it to be built nearer the 
centre of the town, a spot was selected not far from Birch 
Pond, in what is now Saugus, an elevation that has always since 
been called " Choose Hill," but which the people did not choose 
to put the new meeting-house upon, but built it on Lynn 
Common. The people of " Redding," in their perplexity, peti- 
tioned to the General Court, which did not seem to help them. 
The petition is quite lengthy : — 

" The humble petision of the towne of Redding Humbly Showeth — 
That whereas our case, being as your petissiners humbly conseive, soe 
sircumstanced as we Know not the like in all Respects — and not Know- 
ing which waye to helpe ourselves. But By humbly acquainting yor 
honners with our state, your honners beeing the Fathers of the Common- 
wealth to which wee doe belonge; and yor petissiners humbly hoping that 
yor honners will helpe soe far as may bee to the Relieving of us in our 
case : It l^eing soe with us that wee are butt a poore place, very few above 
sixty families Abell to pay the Ministry, and severall of them have more 
need to Receive than to paye. If wee were a place of ability as many 
others bee; and to us there is Adjacent farmers, which bee constant hearers 
of [the word, with us, which, goes not at all to their owne towne, But 
Transiently as others doe; Neither came they one the Sabbath days butt 
bee breakers of the Lawe of God and of this commonwealth as we con- 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. t39 

seive. And to many of them itt would be soe intolerable a burthen, then 
many of them must necessarily refraine from the public worship of god, 
established amongst us, for prevention of which they doe heare with us, 
which seems to be very hard for us to maintayne Ministry and meeting- 
house conveniently for them, and others to force them to paye their hole 
Rates to their one townes, as others do; or if some of them bee Better- 
minded, the bisenes lyeth so at the present, that wee have nothing from 
them all or next to nothing. 

" Another thing that your humble petisioners desire to declare to your 
honners is thatt wee have now not roume enough in our Meetinghouse for 
ourselves, but the Adjasent farmers being one third or very neare one 
third as much as wee, wee muste build anew before itt bee Longe for the 
house will be too littell for them and us, which wee hope your honners 
will consider how the case is like to bee with us, if nothing be considered. 
Butt as wee hope itt is the waye, that god would have us to take to leave the 
case to your honners, we desire humbly soe to doe, and quiettly to reste to 
this honoured Courte's good pleasure as to what hath been declared. 

" And shall ever pray — In the name & by the consent of the Reste of 
the inhal)itants of the town. 

"WM. COWDREY. 

ROBERT BURN A P. 

JONA. POOLE. 

THOMAS PARKER. 

JEREMY SWAINE." 

The town of Reading built a new meeting-house in 1688, 
and liberal subscriptions were given from Lynn End. We 
find the paper to contain the names of John Pearson, John 
Bancroft, Hannaniah and Edward Hutchinson, Isaac Hart, 
Capt. Thomas Bancroft, John Poole, Timothy Hartshorne, and 
Jonn Townsend. Nearly all are common names here to this day. 
Lynnfield became a district in 1782, and has since borne the 
name of I/ynnfield. Previously, in becoming a precinct the 
line was run upon the highway now Salem Street, but in 1782 
the line was as follows : — 

" Beginning at Saugus River near a white oak tree in Jona- 
than Tarbell's lower field near the cant of the river which is in 
the line between Jefferd's and Brinton's farms and running 
eastwardly to lands of Benjamin Riddon ; thence turning by 



I40 HISTORY OF THE TOW'N 

John fool's land as the wall runs to a great rock by the side 
of the hill ; thence southeasterly to Josiah Newhall's south- 
west corner bound adjoining to the town wall so called ; thence 
running southeasterly to Andrew Mansfield's southwest cor- 
ner bound at the wall ; thence running as the wall runs to the 
south corner of John Lindsey's orchard ; thence northerly as 
the wall runs to the road leading from Reading to Salem ; 
thence easterly as the road runs to Danvers line." Two farms, 
those of Asa Newhall and John Lindsey, on what is now Salem 
Street, remained in the old town of Lynn, and this is the line 
of Lynnfield at the present time. 

The town of Lynn held an adjourned meeting June 19, 
1782, when their committee made their report, as follows : — 
" We the committee of the town of Lynn and the committee of the 
North Parish in sd Town chosen by sd Town & Parish to agree on 
some terms to set off sd Parish from sd Town as a separate District, have 
met and do agree to set off sd Parish in the following manner, viz : 
they the sd Parish to pay all their proportion of the Town's debt due at 
this time & all town charges till they the sd Parish are set off by the 
(General Court as a separate district from sd Town also that sd Parish 
pay their proportionate part to support the poor of sd Town till the 
close of the war & at the end of the war the poor shall be divided & 
sd North Parish shall take their proportionate part of sd Poor agreeable 
to their Taxes & that the sd Poor to be proportionable by a committee 
chosen by sd Town & Parisli viz : sd Town to chose two men to be sd 
committee & sd Parish, one, & if they cannot agree on sd proportion 
to have power to submit it to disinterested men mutually chosen and 
that the poor be under the care of the above sd committee during the 
war and if sd North Parish request it they to take their proportion of sd 
Poor and support them in sd parish. 
" I.YNN June 19, 1782. 

"JOHN .MANSFIELD, 1 

WILLIAM COLLINS, j 

JAMES NEWHALL, \ Toi.^n Committee. 

SAMUEL SWEETSER, I 

ABNER HOOD, J 

DANIEL MANSFIELD, 

JONATHAN TARBELL, \ Parish Committee^ 

JOSEPH GOWING, 



OF I.YNNFIEI.I), MASS. 14I 

June 14, 1 81 3, a committee, consisting of three, viz., Daniel 
Needham, Andrew Mansfield, and John Ui)ton, Jr., were chosen 
by the district of Lynnfield to petition the General Court to 
be admitted as a town, which was done after remonstrances 
from those opposed numbering twenty-three, the chief reason 
being the long distance to travel, nine miles or rather more, 
to elect representatives, as the district did all their other 
public business at the meeting-house in Lynnfield. 

The following is transcribed from the town records, date 
of 1814 : — 

" On the 28th day of February in the present year an act passed the 
Legislature of this Commonwealth incorporating the district of Lynnfield 
into a town by the name of Lynnfield. 

" A copy of this act was received on the 30th day of March following. 

" Attest : " JOHN UPTON, Jk., Toivti Clerks 

The selectmen for the above year were John Upton, Jr., 
Andrew Mansfield, Wright Newhall. It seemed to be the 
"correct thing" to become a new town about this time, for 
just before. South Reading had become a separate town, and 
one year later Saugus was set off from Lynn. 

Lynnfield has always been among the smallest towns in pop- 
ulation and area of noble old Essex County. It is situated on 
the western border, and the neighboring towns of Reading, 
Wakefield, and North Reading are in Middlesex County. 
One of the first streets, but not the first, is now known as Sum- 
mer Street. It was laid out in 1680 as a king's highway. The 
older roads led from one house to another till they passed 
through the town with innumerable bars and gates at the bound- 
ary of each owner's domain. The following is a description of 
the town in 1767, by E. Parsons, in a poem written in 1867 : — 

" One church, no schoolhouse, dwellings few, 
Scattered 'mong woods and fields we view, 
Few, narrow, poor, the king's highways. 
For still ye land the Briton sways. 
Of Lynn End such the brief sketch given 
In seventeen hundred sixty-seven." 



142 HISTORY OF IHE TOWN 

A writer of the period in a letter says : " The people 
there (Lynn End) were once a peaceable, friendly delightful 
round of acquaintance. None offered to do another wrong or 
injury. All was harmony. The neighbor towns upon public 
days delighted to visit Lynn End, and no place in the 
province was better esteemed or more gratefully respected. 
They went chiefly to Reading meeting and were contented." 
This is the testimony of Dr. Perkins, one born in this town 
previous to 1700, one who sleeps here and who travelled in 
England, one who spent a part of his life in Boston, who pos- 
sessed an excellent education, so that he knew whereof he 
affirmed ; and other things show that this locality was one that 
one might be proud of. 

During the first twenty-five years from its settlement prob- 
ably its growth was more than it has ever been since in the 
same time, and nearly all were a worthy class of citizens, who 
made the town more and more a desirable place of residence, 
and it is really wonderful how much was done in those few years. 

From the first the citizens of the territory have been known as 
farmers, and that is still largely their business. There are in the 
town eighty-seven farms. A few of them have remained in 
the same families for centuries, many of them half of that 
period. Ever since the settlement loads of hay and cords of 
wood have been seen en route for Lynn and Salem, for it must 
be remembered that the latter used to be the metropolis for 
Lynnfield, and is but eight miles distant, so that there were 
pedestrians who actually did pass to it in early morning. A 
tavern within three miles of Lynnfield Common used to furnish 
accommodations for ninety head of cattle. 

Lynnfield, it will be remembered, is in the midst of a circle 
of large towns and cities. 

Boston is 12^ miles from the church in Lynnfield Centre 
to the State House, with the addition of 20 rods 5.54 links. 
Lynn is the same distance as Salem. Peabody, Wakefield, 



OF LYNNFIELD, IMASS. 1 43 

Stoneham, Maiden, Melrose, and several other neighboring 
towns furnish markets for many things. Great quantities of 
milk are daily carried from this town, and an incredible amount 
of eggs, as almost every family keeps from half a dozen to as 
many hundred fowls. In strawberries Lynnfield is not behind, 
and bushels of the tempting fruit find their way to market, while 
years before the " oldest inhabitant " cm remember the black- 
berries, blueberries, cherries, huckleberries, gooseberries, have 
helped out the income of many a family, and more than one 
young woman has greatly enriched her wedding outfit from 
these productions of the soil. 

In the winter the hilltops, and the swamps as well, resound 
with the axe of the woodman, as he fells the trees for timber 
or for fuel, although Lynnfield cannot boast such huge trees as 
many years ago. Her meadows produce large crops of hay, 
cranberries, etc. 

The peat meadows were years ago the source of much 
industry, profit, and comfort, but since the almost univer- 
sal use of coal, peat is in the category of things that were. A 
.set of tools such as were used to get the article above men- 
tioned fitted for use would now be a great curiosity, and 
certainly would be a relic of bygone days. 

Until within a few years many of the sons followed the sea, 
and blessings were asked for them on Sabbath mornings in the 
meeting-house without exception, while Capt. So-and-so and 
other persons who had been salted were well-known former 
neighbors. 

Her quarries have been a source of wealth, and there is 
perhaps no town around but has samples of Lynnfield granite 
in its building walls, and perhaps its tombs. 

Lynnfield has always, as far as we can learn, abounded in 
school teachers, and a list of the school teachers from other 
places who have married members of the school committees 
here would be a surprise to many, as this has been going on 
further back than the records can take us. 



144 



HlSrORY OK THE TOWN 



A sash and blind factory stood on the Saugus River at the 
southwest part of the town, owned by the Hawkes family, 
which was burned, and has never been rebuilt. 

SHOE SHOPS. 

Lynnfield used to be a shoe town, at least it had several 
manufacturers and a bountiful number of shoemaker shops. 
The latter, which used to belong to nearly every dwelling, have 
been changed into all manner of uses, some of them for hen- 
houses, till but very few are left in their original form. 




Let us look upon one of forty or fifty years ago. It is 
about fifteen feet square, with a window on every side. Many 
of them were tastily gotten up. The inside walls were 
papered, sometimes with many kinds of wall paper, and some- 
times with pictures from illustiated newspapers, where children 
could study all kinds of models. 

In the summer, green birch limbs were placed against the 
windows, that their grateful shade might be enjoyed by the 
inmates within. All day long the music of the hammer might 



OF LYNNFIELD, ISIASS. 1 45 

be heard at intervals, and oftentimes vocal and instrumental 
music pealed forth from its windows, with ever and anon the 
merry whistle of the workman, and after the " stint " was 
done no one was surprised to hear the bugle, clarionet, violin, 
or even bass-viol. 

Many of these shops contained a number of persons, 
sometimes a grandfather, father, and son, all at work at once, 
and ofttimes some of the women of the household had a win- 
dow with their tables having upon them shoe basket and perhaps 
plants, or a pitcher of flowers ; for we can remember the time 
when it was said there were but two ladies in town who did 
not bind shoes, and sad were many hearts when their occupation 
was gone, or they were reduced to such small pay by the intro- 
duction of machinery that the work was no longer profitable. 
Many a fine lady as the town could boast might be seen 
entering her neighbor's house with her basket in hand, or a roll 
of shoes to bind safely stowed away in her pocket. The ladies' 
circle used to earn many a dollar for their benevolent pur- 
poses by binding shoes, and " Hannah Binding Shoes " was 
not confined to Lucy Larcom's poem. 

We can point to sons of this town worth their thousands, to 
those filling fine positions, who earned their first money making 
shoes in these same shops, and sometimes they would work 
in the room with the family, but this was not so comfortable, 
especially after the advent of stoves. We think the people 
were better off for work than at the present, when the work- 
men hie to the shoe factories, although there are three of them 
at the south part of the town that employ more than one 
hundred hands. Two of these factories, Clarence E. Moulton's 
and Henry Law's, are shown in this work, and are a great 
addition to the industries of the town. Now and then one of 
the old shops lingers, but they are nearly all gone, and a single 
workman in one of them is a rare sight. One is much more 
liable to see them used for hen-houses, sheds, or back rooms. 



146 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

The following lines were written as an advertisement for a 
shoe manufacturer : — 

When barefoot man the earth first trod, 
He sighed and sought a softer sod; 
For rock and stub to hobble o'er, 
Disturbed his sole and vexed him sore. 
"But yet," he said, " 'tis all in vain, 
I cannot carpet hill and plain." 
Then to his side his genius flew, 
, And softly whispered him the clew. 

The shadows lift, and all is clear. 
The globe he'll carpet, never fear, 
And myriad feet shall nail it down 
In every street of every town. 
For to the shod whate'er the weather 
The world is carpeted with leather. 
Sabot and sandal, slipper, shoe. 
And boots of many a style and hue. 
The long procession see it wend 
Along the centuries without end, 
From clattering clogs for uses base 
To forms of beauty, forms of grace. 
Where strength and art the prize shall win. 
Would you learn where? Inquire within. 

E. Parsons. 

For many years the care of horses in this town — pasturing 
them, and breaking colts — has been carried on. It used to be 
done on the Wilkes Farm by the Barnjum Bros. A picture 
of the Bray establishment before us will show one of these 
latest comfortable " homes for horses." There are others 
who board horses in the different parts of the town. 

Lynn End used to be famous for its cider, and many of its 
citizens would use a couple of barrels in a year. The cider 
mills used to be run by horses. 

It has now the largest cider mill in this part of the country. 
A part of it is the old woolen manufactory of other days, with 
many additions thereto. It is owned by Elbridge F. Gerry, 



OK lANNFIELD, MASS. 1 47 

where business is done on a large scale, and much cider goes 
through a process of refining, when it is called refined cider. 
Many buildings and much machinery are used, and large quan- 
tities of apples are brought from other States. 

At times the mill is run day and night, employing a dozen 
or more persons at work with much machinery. The apples 
are brought by the car-load and sand for filtering the cider 
by the wagon-load from Andover, while the cars come from 
as far back as New Hampshire and even Maine. The mill is 
provided with storehouses and apparatus for doing the labo- 
rious part of the work with ease, and is perhaps the largest in 
this section. Just previous to its being used as a cider mill, 
it was used to grind barberry roots and to make lobster nets in. 

AGED PEOPLE. 

Mrs. Sarah Wiley, the mother of thirteen children, widow 
of Willard Wiley, will be eighty-four in March, and her brother, 
Elbridge G. Russell, will be eighty-two next July. 

In 1872 there were eleven deaths in town, and among 
them were the following ages : 75, 79, 65, 86, 82. 

In 1877 there were nine deaths, and the ages were in part 
70, 90, 76, 70 ; and the year before, 1876, ages 70, 92, 78, 78, 
out of twelve deaths. 

The funerals of Mrs. Daniel Mansfield, aged 81 years, and 
Mr. Joseph Brown, aged 92 years, were held at the same hour, 
July 19, 1 89 1. They both lived in the same part of the town. 

Lynnfield has always had a large number of aged people, 
and in searching the records it is no strange thing to find the 
ages of 86, 88, 90, to 98. In 1886 Rev. Jacob Hood and 
his wife died, aged 94 and 90 years. Not many years ago a 
man who was born in Lynnfield died aged 102, and a few 
years before a man and his wife were living together in a 
neighboring town who were up in the nineties. 

In this work is a splendid likeness of Mrs. Clarissa 



148 HIS1(3RY OF THE TOWN 

(Emerson) Cox, taken when she was a hundred years old. 
Mrs. Cox was born in Wakefield and died there, but she 
lived in this town about seventy years ; most of her children 
were born here ; her husband, father, mother, sister, brother 
died here, and she has a son still living with his son and 
grandson on the original place, and they are worthy of their 
ancestor. Among the old people of the place is Mrs. Cath- 
erine Sweetser Perkins, who is 87 years of age (1895). 
' The oldest man in town is Dea. William Smith, who will 
be 86 years in May, 1895. His brother-in-law, John Bryant, is 
85 ; and his brother, Jonathan Bryant, has just (1895) cele- 
brated his eightieth birthday. 

Among the women of note who have gone forth from this 
good old town may be specially mentioned Mrs. E. Florence 
Barker, wife of Col. Thomas F2. Barker, formerly of the 12th 
New Hampshire Regiment, whose beautiful home is in Mai- 
den, Mass., where she has reared a son and two daughters. 
Mrs. Barker was born in Lynnfield, March 29, 1S40, and was 
the second daughter of William A. and Mary J. VVhittredge. 
The old huge garrison house where her father was born is still 
standing and occupied, and her mother was descended from 
Revolutionary stock. She was reared where are as noble, true 
lovers of their country as can be found. In sight of the 
home where she was born and bred sleep a number of the 
heroes of 1775, and the pretty church where she was married 
at a double wedding in war time, June 18, 1863, is not far 
away. She was first president of the Woman's Relief Corps, 
and filled the office with great faithfulness and honor, having 
been unanimously elected. She has been very active for the 
Soldiers' Home at Chelsea, of which her husband is trustee. 
Mrs. Barker is also a vice-president of the Ladies' Aid Asso- 
ciation, which has a membership of more than a thousand 
members, and has represented both organizations at Washing- 



OF LYNNFIEI.D, MASS. 1 49 

ton and Minneapolis in a most creditable way. She is also 
one of the number of the Women's Club-House Association, 
who are preparing to build a club-house in Boston, beside 
being ever ready to help in many other good works. She is 
known by a very large circle of friends and co-laborers, and the 
Maiden Hospital is fortunate to have her as one of their ex- 
ecutive committee, as well as one of their trustees. She 
has a sister }ounger than herself. Miss Alfrena J. Whittredge, 
who is a matron of the Soldiers' Home at Togus, Me. 

GEORGE T. ANGELL. 

Another of our former citizens, who has attained world-wide 
fame, and whom we still claim, is George Thorndike Angell, 
the dumb beasts' friend and mouthpiece ; for eighteen years 
he made his home at the corner of Main and Summer Streets, 
nearly opposite the old meeting-house, and came here with his 
bride from Boston at the time of their marriage. 

Mr. Angell was born at Southbridge, Worcester County, in 
this State, June 25, 1823. His father, of the same name, was 
pastor of the Baptist Church in Southbridge, where he died, leav- 
ing him his only child. His mother was Rebekah Thorndike 
of Tewksbury, Mass., of whom he says, " No man ever had a 
better mother." He graduated at Brown University, Provi- 
dence, R. I., July 30, 1846 ; was admitted to the bar, Dec. 17, 
1 85 1. He has published his autobiography, which is full of 
interest. Mr. Angell has been a teacher, a lawyer, an editor, a 
traveller in distant places almost without number, an or- 
ganizer of Bands of Mercy. He has been for more than twenty- 
five years elected unanimously president of the Massachusetts 
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, chairman 
of the Executive Committee of the American Humane 
Association, director of the American Social Science Associa- 
tion. His writings have been translated into many other 
languages, beside having an immense sale in this country. 



150 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

and he is also an honorary member of many European 
societies. He is still very active, contributing much time 
and money to the cause for which his life and talents are 
given, and certainly must be reckoned with the reformers of 
the world. 

As Rev. Harry Brickett, father of Rev. H. L. Brickett, 
took such an interest in the town, was so well known and 
preached here so often, we append the following sketch of 
him by his son : — 

"Rev. Harry Brickett of Hooksett, N. H., died Thursday 
evening, Dec. 17, 1 891, at eight o'clock, from a severe attack 
oi la grippe. Mr. Brickett was born in Newbury, Vt., Feb. 
I, 1 81 8. He was a farmer's son, and early developed a 
fondness for study. He fitted for college at the academies in 
Bradford, Vt., and Haverhill Corner, N. H. He entered 
Dartmouth College in 1836, when eighteen years of age. He 
was one of the ' Honor ' men of his class, graduating in 1840. 
After graduation he taught the Melville Academy in Jaffrey, 
N. H., two years. Here he taught her who afterwards became 
his wife. Miss Eliza Cutter of Jaffrey. While teaching in Jaf- 
frey, Mr. Brickett studied medicine with Dr. Luke Howe during 
his leisure hours. In 1842 he attended medical lectures at 
Hanover and also studied with the faculty two years, teaching 
during the winters the village school in Fitzwilliam, N. H. 
In the spring of 1844 Mr. Brickett took charge of the Fran- 
cestown Academy for one term, to finish the engagement of 
Rev. Horace Herrick. He was so successful and popular as 
a teacher that he was retained as principal seven full years. In 
June, 1 85 1, Mr. Brickett accepted the principalship of the 
Brown Latin School in Newburyport, Mass., which he held 
two years. Then he was called again to Hillsborough County, 
N. H., to take charge of the Merrimack Normal Institute at 
Reed's Ferry. While in that position he was licensed to 
preach by the Manchester Association of Congregational and 




GEN. JCSIAH NEWH.VLL. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 151 

Presbyterian Ministers. Mr. Brickett remained in the school 
at Reed's Ferry four years, preaching also a considerable part 
of the time at Nashua, Merrimack, and Londonderry. He 
received a call to settle in the ministry, from the Congrega- 
tional Church in Hillsborough Bridge, N. H., which he ac- 
cepted in the spring of 1857, and removed there with his 
family. He continued as pastor for eight years, when he re- 
signed to accept a call to a city parish in Geneseo, Henry 
County, 111. Here he continued as pastor seven years, 
from 1865 to 1872. In 1872 he accepted a call to East Lake 
George, N. Y., where he remained four years, until 1876, when 
he received a second call to Hillsborough Bridge, his first par- 
ish. He returned to his former charge at Hillsborough Bridge 
and faithfully labored six years, from 1876 to 1882. In 1882 
he was called to the large church in Thetford, Vt., formerly 
under the charge of the celebrated Dr. Burton ; and here Mr. 
Brickett preached eight years, from 1882 to 1890, when he 
bought a home and retired to live in it at Hooksett, N. H. 
Mr. Brickett was employed at intervals of time, ninety-five 
weeks as lecturer and instructor in teachers' institutes in New 
Hampshire and Maine. While at Francestown, Aug. 18, 
1846, Mr. Brickett married Miss Ehza Cutter of Jaffrey, N. H., 
who survives him, with three of their five children, — Mrs. 
Ellen J. Prescott of Hooksett, N. H., Rev. Harry L. Brickett 
of Lynnfield Centre, Mass., and Mrs. Mary I. Wilmot of 
Thetford, Vt. Mr. Brickett was a natural poet, and wrote 
much for publication. In 1886 he wrote a poem for the semi- 
centennial of the church at Geneseo, 111., and went West and 
delivered it. This was published. Many of his sermons and 
addresses have been printed. He also wrote a history of 
Hillsborough, N.H., which was pubUshed in 1886. Mr. Brickett 
was a thorough classical scholar, and an easy, graceful speaker. 
As an elocutionist he stood at the very head, and his parish- 
ioners often spoke of his power of interpretation in reading 



152 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

hymns and the Bible. Mr. Brickett's personaHty is well de- 
scribed in the following tribute from a Western acquaintance 
of his, whose letter I received last night : ' I am very thank- 
ful that I ever knew your father, for he has left the sweet im- 
pression of his great kind heart upon me. There are very 
few men I knew so little, I loved so well.' Such is the sweet 
memory of the man. His last sickness was a painless one ; 
he gradually weakened under disease, until he sweetly fell 
asleep in death. He retained all his faculties to the very 
last. Almost the last words that he spoke to his son were, 
' Let me arise, with joy, to meet the Lord.' His funeral was 
held on Sunday p. m., Dec. 20, at two o'clock, in the Congre- 
gational church at Hooksett, of which he was a member, 
Rev. Mr. Coult, pastor of the church, and Rev. Moses Patten 
of Hooksett, officiating. Tender and fitting tributes were 
paid to the deceased pastor, and he was quietly laid to rest in 
the cemetery at Hooksett, with the setting sun. 

. "Rev. harry L. BRICKETT. 
" LvNNFiELD Centre, Mass., Dec. 29, 1891." 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 53 



CHAPTER X. 
The Second War with Great Britain. 

LvNNFiELD had, as we have seen, a highly honorable record 
in the Revolutionary War, and as we shall see, in the war of 
the Rebellion ; if her sons seem to have won fewer laurels in 
what is commonly known as "the 1812 War," it was because 
they so largely shared in the strong disapproval of that war felt 
throughout this section. 

Martin Hart was an enlisted soldier, and served at Fort 
Warren. In later years he received a pension. 

There was also a company of minutemen, ready to go to 
the defence of their homes at a moment's notice. 

One of the oldest inhabitants remembers seeing a company 
of soldiers march past the house now owned by Mr. Benjamin 
Bryant, and go down into the adjacent field to drill. A 
daughter of Bowman Viles, Esq., has heard the older members 
of her family speak of a time when her and their father came 
on his big black horse to bid the family good by before join- 
ing the company that had received the signal to go to their 
country's defence. 

Besides " Squire Viles," as he was called in his later years, 
the names of several others are recalled by one of the daugh- 
ters of a minuteman. They were ordered to march to Salem, 
an alarm of the enemy's approach having arisen, which, how- 
ever, proved a false one. 

Among those who went were Josiah Newhall, afterwards 
known as Gen. Newhall, Moses Richardson, John Perkins, 



154 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

John Nichols, Jacob Wiley, Benjamin Cox, and George Pearson. 
Samuel Skinner was captain of the company. 

Capt. Henry Bancroft went on one cruise as second lieu- 
tenant of a privateer. 

The Mexican War roused little interest in Lynnfield. 
George Washington Wellman, son of Bartholomew and Sarah 
(Derby) Wellman, went as an enlisted soldier to this war, and 
died in the city of Mexico, Feb. 25, 1848, aged 33. 

OLD COMMON LANDS IN OR NEAR LYNNFIELD. 

It does not now seem possible to fix the exact limits of 
what was known as Lynn Common in 1653, nor of the Great 
Common laid out in 1706. The excerpts which follow seem 
to show conclusively that they extended to a region near what 
is now known as Filling's Pond, which is merely an overflowed 
meadow and a brook. 

The meadow, or at least a part of it, was and is to-day 
known as Stone's Meadow, and the brook as Bates' Brook. In 
the old deeds the spelling varied, but the localities are pointed 
out as unerringly as if Worcester's unabridged were at hand. 

The following copies of deeds written in 1653 are in the 
possession of Mr. George E. Herrick, who lives near the land 
supposed to be meant. 

Extract from a copy of a deed of Nicholas Potter to Thomas 
Wellman and John Knight, made the seventeenth day of the 
twelfth month, 1653 : — 

" Give, grant, &c unto the said Thomas Wellman and John Knight — 
two three score acre Lotts joining together, one of them lately in ye 
Tenour of ye said Nicholas Potter and ye other in ye late Tenour of James 
Boutwell bounded southerly with ye farme of Goodman Talmage & three 
acres of marsh lately belonging to ye aforesaid Nicholas Potter & Easterly 
with ye co?/t?no)i Westerly with ye River that cometh out of Stones 
meadow and northerly with the Land of the said Thomas Wellman & 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 55 

John Knight and also three acres of meadow lately in the Tenour of ye said 
Nicholas Potter adjoining to ye aforesaid purchased Land on the south," 
etc. 

From the old records of the city of Lynn we excerpt the 
following, which relates to the dividing of certain unoccupied 
lands belonging to the then township of Lynn : — 

"... except, the training field and the several highways shall be divided 
to and among all the proprietors and inhabitants that have land in the 
town of their own in fee (within fence) ..." 

A committee chosen April 15, 1706, consisted of three men, 
"which three men are to be all inhabitants of some other 
town or towns," to do the necessary work of division. They 
were Capt. Samuel Gardner of Silem, Mr. John Greenland 
of Maiden, Lieut. Joseph Hacey of Rumney Marsh (Chelsea). 

We quote again from the record : — 

"The first division beginning upon that parcel of land lying on the west 
side of Saugus River lying betwixt the Hitchinses' farm and Timothy 
Wiley's farm, called the six hundred acres, the Lots running forty poles in 
length, each person's lot butting on the Range lines except where they 
butt upon propriaty, the first Lot beginning on the East side near John 
Chilson's house." 

Abraham Wellman had the first lot ; Ebenezer Bancroft 
had the second lot ; Ebenezer Hawks had the third lot. 
Hitchings's farm was in Saugus, and Timothy Wiley's in 
Wakefield. 

The "range lines," so often found in the old deeds, are to 
be explained by the fact that the land in this as in many, 
perhaps most, cases, when left unoccupied for any length of 
time, was divided into "ranges," or sections, bounded by 
parallel lines called range lines. In this case they were forty 
rods wide. 

From a deed of Samuel Parker to Ebenezer Bancroft, 
1707 : — 



156 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

" A Peece or Parsel of Land cituate In the towne-ship of Lynn and 
lyin by a place called Duck pond It being by Estemation four acres Be it 
so much more or Less : it being my fourth lot that was layd out to me sd 
Parker in sd Lynn Comon when it was layd out in the year 1706 as on 
Record in sd Lynn towne Book May more at large apear : as said fourth 
lot is buted and bounded viz. : Easterly by the land of will'm Eatton west- 
wardly by the land of said Ebenzer Bancroft : Northerly and Sotherly by 
the Range lines." 

From a deed of John Bancroft to Ebenezer Bancroft, 
I 710 : — 

" a peass or parsell of upland and medow cituate in ye township of 
lyn aboue said and lying near to Robart Beats Brook it being by Estema- 
tion one Acres and thirty Eaight pols as it is Buted and bounded northerly 
by ye rever that runs beween Mr. Shapbard medow and this aboue said 
land and medow Easterly by ye land and medow of the above said 
Ebenezer Bancroft Southerly by ye hy way that gos from Beatses Brook 
above said to Lyntown." 

Extract from a deed of Samuel Parker to Ebenezer Ban 
croft, 1 7 1 1 : ■ — 

" One small parcell of Land ... as it is laid out to me and Entered 
in Lyn Town Book of Records and it is sittuate in ye Township of Lyn in 
ye Common called the Great Common and it is butted and bounded as 
followeth (being his first Lott) Westerly upon Abraham Wellman his 
farme, Southerly upon the Range line, Easterly Abraham Wellman his 
Lott, Northerly upon the Lott of ye suckcessers of Nathanaell Newhall." 

Extract from a deed given by Abraham Wellman, Jr., to 
Ebenezer Bancroft in i 7 1 1 : — 

" One small piece of land containing by Estimation sixteen pools 
[poles] be it more or be it less : and it is sittuat in the township of Lyn 
being the Northwardly Corner of the homested of the sd Abraham Welman 
and it is bounded Southwardly by the Remaining land of the sd Abraham 
Welman : and at the Eastwardly Corner by a stake and heap of stones 
and from thence to an ould black oake stomp and as the fence now stands 
down to the midle of the brook called Bates his brook, the above men- 
tioned sixteen poles of Land lieth betwin the sd brook and the Land of 
the sd Ebenezer Bancroft, and is a conveniancy for his catel to go to the 
brook." 





r'3S; 



1, 






.i?«i.: 

i^i 



OK LYNNllELL), MASS. 1 57 



LYNNFIELD S SCHOLARS. 



Eager for the fair repute of our little town, believing that 
this is advanced by the higher education as well as by the 
distinguished activity in the world's work of its inhabitants, 
or of those nearly related to them, we have endeavored, so 
far as we could learn the facts, to make a record of all such 
as have been born here, also such as have become connected 
with them by marriage. 

The list includes here and there one born elsewhere, but 
resident among us for a reasonable length of time. Such 
cases where known will be noted, otherwise the birthplace is 
Lynnfield. 

Dr. John Perkins, b. March 9, 1698 ; was grad. Harvard ; 
visited England ; died Jan. 23, 1781. 

Edward Perkins Sparhawk, son of the first minister of the 
Second Church of Lynn, b. July 10, 1728; was grad. Har- 
vard, 1753 ; m. Mehitabel Putnam ; d. March 8, 1796. It is 
probable that his brother John, who became an eminent 
physician in Philadelphia, was also a graduate of Harvard. 

A book of rules found in Lynnfield for Harvard students 
has this entry : — 

" Cantabrigiae lomo Calendas January 1754 Gulielmus Perkins admitta- 
tur in Collegium Harvardinium. 

Ed ward us Holyoke Praeses. 

Belcher Hancock "| 

Josephus Mayhew 1 (, 

Thos Marsh | 

[Name missing] J 

Hie Labor Opus Est." 
[Note. This quolation is from the JEneid. When the Sibyl says to /Eneas, " The 
descent to Avernus is easy, but to retrace your step and pass to the upper air, t/tt's is 
the work, this the task," the last seven words translate what has come to be a com- 
mon proverb, Hoc opus, hie labor est.\ 

This William Perkins, admitted in i 754, corresponds with 
one who was grad. 1758, and d. 1765. 



158 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

The names of the five given below are supposed to have 
been collegiates : — 

Dr. Benjamin Adams, b. Sept. 7, 1758; m. Lois Orne ; d. 
Jan. 16, 181 1. He was son of Rev. Benjamin Adams, third 
minister of the Second Church. 

Dr. John Aborn, m. Rebecca Bancroft; d. Nov. 8, 1768. 

James Johnson; Rev. EUas Upton, b. 1496; Thomas 
Bancroft. 

Rev. James Wellman, D. D., b. in the Wellman house that 
stood near what is now Filling's Pond, May 10, 1728. Fitted 
for college with his pastor, Rev. Stephen Chase; was grad. 
Harvard, 1744, when sixteen years old; was ordained over 
the Congregational Church at Sutton, Mass., Oct. 7, 1747; 
afterwards became the first pastor at Cornish, Sept. 29, 1769 ; 
d. Dec. 18, 1808. 

Benjamin Perkins, who died Nov. 17, 1809, is said to have 
been a graduate of Harvard. Mr. Benjamin Perkins, b. 1814, 
has in his possession certain silver tokens or emblems, indica- 
tive of his uncle's membership in the famous Hasty Pudding 
Club of that university. 

Hon. Thomas B. Newhall, b. Nov. 2, 181 1: fitted for 
college at Andover and Lynn Academies ; was grad. Brown 
University. 

He had a brother James who was a physician in Lynn. 
Both were sons of Hon. Asa T. and Judith (Litde) Newhall. 

Rev. Daniel Mansfield, son of Andrew and Eunice Mans- 
field, b. Aug. 24, 1807 ; was grad. Amherst, 1833 ; m. Hannah 
P., dau. Ezra and Hannah A. Holt of Andover ; was settled 
atWenham, Mass., July 26, 1837 ; died and was buried there. 

Edward Augustus, son of Edward and Betsey (Davis) 
Upton, was born in Danvers (now Peabody), 1829. Re- 
moved to Lynnfield with his parents, 1833, and lived here 
nearly twenty years. Fitted for college at Gilmanton Academy, 
Gilmanton, N. H. ; entered Dartmouth College, 185 1 ; was 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. I 59 

grad. 1854 ; admitted to the bar, and now a lawyer in Bos- 
ton ; m. Susan Matilda Simpson, of Waterville Me., 1861 ; m. 
a second time, December, 1873, Clarinda, dau. of Jacob Grigg, 
M. D., of Pemberton, N. J. 

Henry Mottey, son of Rev. Henry S. and Mary E. Green, 
entered Amherst, class of 1865 ; d. Jan. 9, 1867. 

Joshua Gilman Hawkes, son of Joshua and Abigail (Ban- 
croft) Hawkes, b. Aug. 18, 1831 ; prepared for college at 
Thetford, Vt. ; was grad. Amherst, 1859; made principal 
of Conway Academy; 1862, he enlisted in the 52d Regiment 
Massachusetts Volunteers, and was in the Department of the 
Gulf under Gen. Banks ; was sergeant in Co. D, and was 
asked to be captain in a colored regiment ; sailed from Port 
Hudson up the Mississippi River, July 23, 1863. 

We are glad to avail ourselves of a beautiful tribute to him 
in the " Color-Guard," a book written by a member of his 
company. Rev. J. K. Hosmer. In this story he is called 
" Grosvenor " : " Grosvenor, indeed, my good friend, a high- 
minded patriot, whose great spirit had carried his feeble body 
through all our exposures, though pale and haggard, went 
from man to man shaking hands. He lay down at night 
spreading out his blankets with his old comrades. In the 
morning his couch lay as he had spread it, but he was gone, 
and the eyes of no man have rested upon him since. 

" His was a brave and knightly so \\. No doubt he rose in 
the night, too exultant perhaps over the brighter prospects of 
our great cause, and over the thought that hardship honorably 
borne was soon to be over, to sleep. 

" The moon, about full, floated gloriously before him in the 
heavens, among the summer clouds, as the ' Sangreal with its 
veils of white samite ' floated before Arthur's pure-souled 
knights. A misstep with his weak limbs, and he fell overboard 
into the flood. So our good friend must have perished." 

Forrest Fayette, son of Dea. Oliver and Eliza (Weston) 



l6o HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Emerson, b. May i6, 1839; fitted for college at Pierce 
Academy, Middleboro, Mass. ; entered Brown University, 
1859 ; wasgrad. 1863 ; entered Newton Theological Institution, 
fall of 1863 ; entered Rochester Theological Seminary, fall of 
1864 ; pastor of Baptist Church, Wellsville, N. Y., April, 1865 ; 
was grad. from Rochester Theological Seminary, 1866; 
pastor of First Baptist Church, Gloucester, from 1868 to 1873 ; 
pastor Asylum Avenue Baptist Chuich, Hartford, Conn., 
1873-79; pastor of First Congregational Church, Amherst, 
1879-83 ; pastor of United Congregational Church, Newport, 
R. I., 1883-92 ; acting pastor of Union Church, Worcester, 
Nov. I, 1893, to the present time, 1895 ; received the 
honorary Phi Beta Kappa while in Hartford from Brown 
University; m. Sarah Maria Hartwell, June 29, 1864; was 
sent as delegate at large to the World's Missionary Confer- 
ence in London, England, 188S; made an address, not as a 
delegate from any body, but in response to an invitation from 
the London committee. 

Howard Malcolm, brother of the above mentioned, was 
grad. from Brown L^niversity, 1858 ; was settled over the Bap- 
tist Church in Methuen, i860 ; m. Annie Parke of South Ber- 
wick, Me., 1 86 1 ; d. South Berwick, May, 1862. 

Henry Pendexter, brother of the above named, b. Jan. it, 
1846 ; fitted for college at PhiUips Academy ; wasgrad. 1867 ; 
entered Rochester University, N. Y. ; received the degree of 
A. B., 187 1 ; taught three years in State Normal School, Po's- 
dam, N. Y. ; was teacher of Latin and Greek in Buffalo High 
School, N. Y., 1874-83; appointed principal, 1883; 1892, 
elected superintendent of the public schools in Buffalo. In 
1894 there were registered in this city 44,000 pupils. The 
superintendent has a salary of $5,000 a year, the office being 
one of great responsibility. Married Mary A. E^sty of Middle- 
ton, Aug. 4, 1874. 

Rev. Oliver Emerson, son of Dea. Oliver Emerson and a 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. l6l 

first wife whose maiden name was Brown, was grad. at Colby 
University, Waterville, Me.; d. 1883. Left a son Oliver 
F. (not a native of Lynnfield), who is Professor of English 
Literature in Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. Rev. O. Emer- 
son's work in the West was that of a home missionary, found- 
ing churches, and looking after several small congregations at 
a time. 

William Bryant, son of William and Sarah (Bryant) Smith, 
b. July 29, 185 1 ; fitted for college at Phillips Academy; 
entered Amherst, 1870; left becuuse of failing health; d. 
Oct. 4, 1S83. 

Rosetta Mary, daughter of Luther S. and Emily L. (Wiley) 
Munroe, b. March 22, 1868; fitted for college at Peabody 
High School; entered Boston University, 1886; was grad. 
1890; m. Rev. George H. Spencer, of the same class, son of 
a Methodist clergyman. At present (1895) located at Sum- 
mersworth, N. H. 

Lillia Truell, daughter of David and Sarah (Truell) Wilkins, 
b. Jan. 23, 1869 ; fitted for college at Wakefield High 
School ; entered Boston University, 1890 ; left after two years' 
study there to teach in the Advanced Grammar School, Wake- 
field. 

Starr, son of Ebenezer and Mary Alvina (Dodge) Parsons, 
b. Sept. 4, 1869 ; completed the six years' course at the Bos- 
ton Latin School in five years, winning several prizes, besides 
a Franklin medal; entered Harvard, 1887, was grad. magna 
cii/n laude, 1891 ; won three scholarships and honorable men- 
tion in Latin, Greek, and history ; elected a member of the 
Classical Club, and of the Phi Beta Kappa Society ; taught a 
year at St. Paul's School, Concord, N. H. ; admitted to the 
Essex Bar, 1892 ; and at present (1895) practising law in 
Lynn; m. June 26, 1894, Minnie Cora, daughter of Charles 
Bickford, and grand-niece of Hon. Lot M. Morrill, who was 
governor of Maine, 1858-60, United States senator, 1861-76, 



1 62 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

resigned to accept the appointment of Secretary of the Treas- 
ury, June 2 1, 1876. 

John Bernard, son of Charles and Mary (Barrett) McCarthy, 
b. Dec. 9, 1872 ; entered preparatory department of Boston 
College, September, 1890; regular collegiate course, 1892; 
after two years in Boston College, completing the sophomore 
year, entered Jesuit Novitiate at Frederick, Md., to prepare 
for the Catholic priesthood. At present pursuing the classics, 
and will make philosophical and theological courses at Wood- 
stock College, Woodstock, Md. 

1895, Mr. Charles Torrey, son of Mr. Charles Torrey, is 
a pupil in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

MISSIONARIES. 

Rev. Henry F. Bond, b. Boston ; entered Harvard, 1836; 
was grad. 1840; entered Divinity School, 1842; was grad. 
1845 ; ordained in Barre, Mass., 1846 ; m. Pamela Orne, 
daughter of Hubbard and Harriet (Orne) Emerson of Lynn- 
field, Jan. 30, 1872. Mr. Bond was United States agent of 
the Ute Indians in Colorado, 1874-76, Mrs. Bond being 
teacher of the government day school at that agency. He 
was selected in 1886 by the American Unitarian Association 
to erect buildings and organize what is now knovvn as the 
"Montana Industrial School," of which he was superintendent 
four and one half years. This was a boarding school for the 
Crow Indians, and Mrs. Bond was matron. She was very 
heartily interested in the Indian cause, and only left her post 
on account of invalidism. 

Helen Diann, daughter of Samuel N. and Diann (Nichols) 
Newcomb, b. in Reading ; her mother was a native of Lynn- 
field, and Miss Newcomb spent most of her early life here. 
When very young she united with the Orthodox Congrega- 
tional Church in Lynnfield, and was one of its most earnest 




EX-JUD&E STEPHEN GIJjMAN. 



OF LYNNKIELD, MASS. 163 

and active members until she removed to Boston. There 
she joined the Baptist communion, and went, under the 
auspices of the Baptist Mission Board, to India as a missionary 
to the natives of that country. She has been at work there 
about four years. 1895 she is stationed at Nursaravapetta, 
Kistna District, India. 

Mary A. Parsons, born in Lynnfield, March, 1838; mar- 
ried April, 1861, W. I. Bishop (who, enlisting in the loth 
Massachusetts Regiment as a private, was made captain in 
1862). She was for two years, 1891 and 1892, matron of the 
Ballard Normal School, Macon, Ga., established by the Ameri- 
can Missionary Association to assist the better class of colored 
people to become teachers and helpers of their own race. 

Carl Sidney Bishop, born in Lynnfield, April, 1865, was 
graduated at Mt. Hermon School in 1890, since which time 
he has been secretary of the Y. M. C. A. for the city of 
Fitchburg. 

Annie L, Bishop, educated at Northfield Seminary, went 
South as music teacher under the auspices of the American 
Missionary Association in 1889, serving one year at Macon 
and two years at Savannah, Ga. Her younger sister, Emily R. 
Bishop, is now teaching (under the A. M. A,) in Fisk Uni- 
versity at Nashville, Tenn., instituted for the higher education 
of the colored race. 

GRADUATES FROM NORMAL SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIES. 

Owing to lack of space, we can give only the names of 
graduates, although many who have taken partial courses in 
these and in the commercial schools have done, or are doing, 
excellent work in the world. 

State Normal Schools of Massachusetts. 
Lexington : Rebecca S. Richardson. 
West Newton : Eunice E. Richardson. E. Augusta Richardson. 



1 64 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Salem : 
Emily C. Jackson. Esther R. Perkins. 

Elizabeth C. Moulton. Alfrena J. Whittredge. 

Lizzie B. Newhall. Harriet F. Wiley. 

Abby J. Richardson. Ella L. Munroe. 

Mary E. Bancroft. Hannah B. Danforth. 

Mary A. Mansfield. S. Isabelle Hewes. 

Eunice M. Bancroft. Sarah E. Wilkins. 

Hannah V. Newhall. Sarah E. Whipple. 

Sarah F. Bryant. Mary J. Copeland. 

Mary T. Danforth. Kate E. Coney. 

Annie B. Stevens. 

Thetford Academy, Thetford, Vt. : George E. Herrick. 

Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N. Y. : Rufus H. Emerson. 

Phillips Academy, Andover, Classical Department : Ly- 
man B. Smith. English Department : Warren Newhall. 

Notre Dame Academy, Putnam, Conn. : Theresa L. Mc- 
Carthy. 

Mrs. Mary A. Parsons has contributed the following : — 

THE OLD PARSONS HOUSE. 

While it seems impossible to fix the exact age of the build- 
ing known as " The Old Parsons House," theje is evidence 
favoring a date which carries us a good way back into the 
past. 

The present proprietor's family ha\e had it in their posses- 
sion more than one hundred and thirty years, as their records 
show. This fact would be readily inferred, were there no 
other proof, by an accumulation of ancient relics scarcely 
possible except by a race long rooted in one spot and given 
to cherishing its household gods. 

Thomas Bancroft is believed to have come from England 
into what was then a part of Lynn, but is now Lynnfield, about 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 65 

the year 1640 ; he died Aug. 19, 1691. In a sort of family 
agreement drawn up soon after his death, and still in existence, 
the youngest son, Ebenezer, is to take charge of his widowed 
mother, and is to have, if we understand the document, the 
houses and a portion of the farm therefor. The word we 
take to mean the farmhouse, barn, etc., is "housing," prob- 
ably the old plural " housen " is here indicated. 

It is natural to suppose that he lived in the Thomas Ban- 
croft house for some years at least, and this house is believed 
to have stood near Beaver Dam. 

Besides the agreement above mentioned, many important 
papers were safely sheltered in the old house till 1878, when 
they were removed to a more modern dwelling, erected, 
however, on the ancestral acres. Among these papers are 
several deeds conveying land to Thomas Bancroft, — deeds 
dated 1657, 1678, 1682, 1687, and 1690. 

Nineteen deeds bearing dates ranging from 1693 to 17 14, 
inclusive, have the name of Ebenezer, sometimes styled Capt. 
Ebenezer Bancroft, upon them ; twice it is associated with 
his brother John as joint purchaser. In none of these have I 
been able to find mention of a house ; a barn, however, is 
named in one, dated i 704. 

I will quote a line or two, which seems to make plain the 
land given in exchange : — 

This land lies " ajoyning to a farm in said Lynn that belongs 
to Charlestown at a Place called Beaver Dam." 

For this acre a committee chosen by the town of Charles- 
town give another " that lies near to said Bancroft's Barne, and 
is the Easterly or South Easterly corner of the said farme that 
belongs to said Charlestovvne towne." 

• It appears to have been bounded less explicitly than is 
usual in the old deeds, the only boundaries mentioned being 
those of the Charlestown farm and the land of Ebenezer 
Bancroft. If we knew the exact limits of "Charlestown 



1 66 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

farm " we could tell with some degree of assurance whether 
or not this barn was one long since torn down, but built on 
the Parsons land not far from the site of the present barn. 

Capt. Ebenezer, the son of Thomas Bancroft, died in 171 7, 
leaving children, among them a son who bore his father's 
name. On the outside of documents found he is sometimes 
styled "Capt.," as was his father, though in the church 
records he appears usually as " Lieut. Ebenr. Bancroft." 

The first deed in which we find his name is dated i 728, and 
is concerned with a purchase in Marblehead, but most of the 
land conveyed was in what was then Lynn, but is now Lynn- 
field. There are several such conveyances dated 1741 to 
1763, inclusive. One in 1747 alludes to "all the buildings 
thereon," but from the names of the owners abutting on this 
piece of land we cannot feel sure that the Parsons buildings 
can be meant. 

The first direct mention of the house in a deed is in 1763, 
but the connection there suggests its previous existence. 

The church of Lynnfield records, which begin early in the 
last century, show that the Bancrofts were men of substance. 
In early Puritan days the congregation were placed, by 
officials chosen for the purpose, in pews according to their 
position in society. It was called " seating the church." 
Judged by this standard, a highly honorable place seems to 
have been given the " successors of Thomas Bancroft " ; 
doubtless his widow and children are here indicated. 

Again the early settlers, before church and state were sep- 
arated, were assessed, on a strictly property valuation, for 
parish expenses. It appears from these assessments that 
Lieut. Ebenezer Bancroft was among the largest ratepayers, and 
he was treasurer of the society for years. It seems likely, 
therefore, that on his marriage he would build a house for him- 
self, since he had at least a brother and sister. Indeed we 
have no evidence that his father did not build it before his 



OP LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 67 

death in 171 7, since it seems to us the land, and possibly the 
barn, once standing near the house, were his. 

At all events, when the house is mentioned as the " said 
Ebenr. Bancroft's dwelling-house," it is in a deed given by 
" John Aborn, physician." In this deed, which conveys land, 
he alludes to " the Deed I had of him the said Bancroft." 
Afterwards, the heirs of Dr. Aborn, who died Nov. 8, 1768, 
sold to Ebenezer Parsons, Sr., " half the house, and half 
the barn," which he may have inherited through his wife, who 
was Rebecca, the daughter of Ebenezer Bancroft, 2d, and 
who was baptized 1732. 

Lois Bancroft, eldest daughter of Capt. Ebenezer Bancroft, 
2d, was born in 1724, and was married twice; her second 
husband being Israel Parsons, the father of Ebenezer Parsons, 
who was born in Leicester in 1762, but who returned to his 
grandfather's house when a small boy, before the death of 
Capt. Ebenezer Bancroft, which occurred in 1770. 

That his twice-widowed mother soon followed the child is 
seen from a paper, dated 1773, which the widow of Ebenezer 
Bancroft caused to be drawn up in favor of her daughter, Lois 
Parsons. In this, Ruth Bancroft makes over her clothing, 
" Indoor moveables," etc., to her "daughter, Lois Parsons," 
and we thus account for much of the old-time furniture still in 
use by her descendants. 

We find the following in the church record : " Feb. 5, 1773, 
died suddenly, Ruth, relict of the late Capt. Ebenezer Ban- 
croft, in the 76th year of her age. She had scarcely time to 
say any more than that she was not the least afraid to die. 
Thus died that godly woman." 

Dated 1786 is a receipted bill for work on a house for 
Ebenezer Parsons. This being the year before his marriage to 
Nabby Smith, he would seem to be making preparations for that 
event, also that he had some rights in it. In 179 1 he bought 
out the heirs of Ebenezer Bancroft, two of whom were his own 



l68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

half-sisters, and in 1798 he bought out the heirs of Dr. 
Aborn. 

For some years during his ownership of it the house was 
used as an inn, and was called " The Sun Tavern" ; also, at 
one tmie, a room in the northeast corner was used for the 
sale of West India goods and groceries. 

The first Ebenezer Parsons and his son Ebenezer were 
ardent Methodists, and rooms in the house were rented to 
more than one of the pioneer Methodist ministers with their 
families ; so those who talk of the old Sun Tavern must 
not forget it has also been a Methodist parsonage ! Indeed 
it preserved the manuscript records of the Methodist Society 
from the inception of the movement, the call for the separate 
society being in 1816. 

We have seen that Ebenezer Bancroft, Sr., may have 
lived in the house, and that his son surely lived there. His 
daughter Lois was there a widow in 1773, if she was not 
born there ; her son, Ebenezer Parsons, lived there ; his son, 
Ebenezer Parsons, Jr., was born there in 1794. Ebenezer 
Parsons, 3d, was born there in 1832, and his son, Starr Par- 
sons, was born there in 1869. 

For one line to hold possession of a homestead for so long 
a time is not only an honorable, but it is a very unusual record 
for an American dwelling-house. 

Abigail Smith was the mother of Nabby, wife of Ebenezer 
Parsons, Sr., and in her old age she came to live with her 
daughter, endowing her with all her worldly goods. Doubt- 
less through her came the " governor's chair " and the cabinet. 
(See illustration.) 

It is known that Sarah Endicott, niece of Gov. Endicott, mar- 
ried a Hart, and the chair may have been derived through her 
to the family. The name of Endicott is found as a Christian 
name in the Hart and Smith families, probably in deference to 
the family connection. On the door of the cabinet are carved 



OF I.YNNFIELD, MASS. 1 69 

the date "1679 " and the letters " T. H.," supposed to stand for 
Thomas Hart, one of the ancestors whose name appears often 
in the parish records. An old chair with the letters " W. S." 
(Walter Smith) on it, and one that one of our oldest inhab- 
itants feels sure is at least one hundred and fifty years old, are 
among the heirlooms, as well as tables, etc., and many other 
articles exceedingly old and yet in good condition. 

The old libraries, "Social" and "Lyceum," were kept in 
this house many years, and the family took charge of the 
books. 

We do not say that the old is better than the new ; " treas- 
ures new and old " are best, as the old writer implied, but 
some of us it may be are not sufficiently alive to the value of 
the conserv^atism in the mental outfit of the stayers at home. 

THE OLD TARBELL PLACE. 

From " Semi-Historical Rambles among the Eighteenth- 
Century Places," by Hon. N. M. Hawkes of Lynn, we quote 
a few paragraphs relating to this historic house, which stands 
close to the Saugus River, near the boundary lines of Saugus 
and Wakefield, being itself in Lynnfield : — 

" The big homely old house is in a secluded yet sunny spot, 
far from the road. Back of it towers a great bowlder that 
timid strangers were afraid to drive by. Wooded hills on the 
north and east keep off the chill east winds of our rugged 
climate. From its southern windows the eye looks upon as 
pretty an intervale, bordered by as sparkling a river and 
framed by as verdant hills, as old Essex can show. 

"This for a century has been known as the Tarbell place. 
Here, after the Revolutionary War, came Jonathan Tarbell, 
from the South Parish of Danvers, now Peabody ; with him 
came his wife Elizabeth (Cook) Tarbell. His father, Jonathan 
Tarbell, came here and died in this house. After these two 



1 70 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

there likewise lived and died in this house, and was buried in 
the family tomb upon the estate, a third Jonathan Tarbell. 

"Of what interest is it at this time, when the name is extinct 
in this locality? 

" Let me briefly relate the story. On the 19th of April, 
1775, some two hundred brave young men marched from 
the village green in the South Parish of Danvers to Lex- 
ington, twenty miles away. A tragedy there took place. 
Every schoolboy the world over feels his pulse beat more 
quickly as he reads the tale of the first blood shed in the war 
of American independence. Seven Danvers men gave their 
lives, that liberty might live. 

" The Lexington monument in Peabody, fittingly standing on 
the spot whence the start was made on the fatal morning, com- 
memorates the names of the heroes who fell. The first on the 
list is ' Samuel Cook, ?et. 33.' By his side, when the British bul- 
let struck his heart, stood his brother-in law, Jonathan Tarbell." 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. I71 



CHAPTER XL 
War of Rebellion, 1861. 

Eighty-six years after the battle of Lexington, and again we 
are in the midst of war, civil war. Sumter has been fired 
upon, and war is everywhere the chief topic of conversa- 
tion, and of the newspaper also. Companies are organizing, 
flags are being thrown to the breeze, and before night after 
Sumter had been taken some of her sons might be seen en 
i'o:ite for the capital. We remember to have seen Benjamin 
W. Parsons, a young man of twenty-three years, first, who was 
afterward a lieutenant ; after three years of service he came 
home and died, and was buried with martial honors. 

The next Sabbath two patriotic sermons were preached at 
the Central Church by the pastor. Rev. William Chalmers 
Whitcomb, who afterward was a chaplain in the United States 
Army, and died at Morehead City, N. C. 

The old town hall, beneath whose roof had gathered the 
patriots of 1776, and where the soldiers of that date had 
heard the stirring words of independence, was opened to raise 
funds and procure enlistments of soldiers, and to provide for 
their families who were left behind. Old men felt sad that 
age should keep them from the field, and one said that his 
blood was none too good to be spilt for his country ; and here 
we give a copy of resolutions passed in town meeting when 
the three hundred thousand more men were called for, and 
recorded on the town records : — 

" As the President has called for three hundred thousand men addi- 
tional to those already in the field, 



172 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

" Resolved, That to lose the freedom and independence our fathers went 
through a seven years" war to gain would be to the everlasting shame of 
the nation, and that this fiendish rebellion should be met by the sharpest 
practice by the sword. 

" Resolved, That such are the interests at stake, not of our time and na- 
titm only, but the nations of the earth in all time to come, they should 
lie preserved, whatever it may cost. 

" Resolved,'Y\\zX the youngmen of no time nor nation have had such an 
opportunity to do great things for their country and the world as the loyal 
ones of our own, and that ours of Lynnfield are expected to do their part 
in the great work. 

" Resolved, That while we regard it the first duty of the nation to use all 
its energies to strike this infamous rebelHon dead, and cannot reasonably 
expect success unless it does, our trust is in the living God, by whose power 
nations rise or fall. 

"Lynnfield, July 28, 1862." 

At this time more than one bridegroom wore the uniform 
of his country at his wedding. 

A number of the sons of this place who were loyal to the 
North, but who had been living for some time at the South, 
were seen at their homes here, having been told that they 
were not wanted there. One had just passed through Mont- 
gomery, Ala., then the capital of "Secessia," and was inter- 
viewed repeatedly concerning the would-be government. 

The natives of the town, residents of other places, were not 
slow or backward in joining the army, and one living at the 
present time can have but a faint idea of the bustle and ex- 
citement exhibited here during the war. Previous to the war 
no liberty pole was ever seen on Lynnfield Common. On the 
17 th of June, the anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill, 
was brought a flagstaff, given by Hubbard Emerson, Esq., to 
the Common. This was finished and raised by men of the 
Centre, while the ladies were busy within the town hall making 
the flag which was to float from its top so often in the days 
to come. The liberty pole stood where the town pump now 
is, or perhaps a little more to the east. There was a celebra- 



OF I.YNNKIELJ), MASS. 1 73 

tion on the 4th of July, when the flag was unfurled for the 
first time. This is described under date of 1861. 

Everything possible was made of " red, white, and blue." 
Rosettes, ladies' dresses, window shades, children's hats and 
clothes were striped with the trio of colors. Envelopes were 
also in the same hues. 

The defeat at the battle of Bull Run soon after it occurred 
was known all over the country and the flags run up at half 
mast. John P. Mead, one of our soldiers, was mortally 
wounded in the battle, and died soon after at Richmond, 
Va. A wife and two children survived him. A finger ring of 
his was sent home to his family. 

Religious services were held at the camp on Sabbath days, 
generally towards sunset, and the pastors and choirs of 
churches in the neighborhood vied with each other in rendering 
assistance. Sometimes an audience of ten thousand persons 
would be gathered. Rev. Allan Gannett, who lived near the 
camp ground, was very active and loyal. The camp was 
located on both sides of the Newburyport Turnpike, or in 
common parlance now Broadway, a short distance from the 
old Lyunfield Hotel, on the border of the beautiful Suntaug 
Lake, where is now the fine summer residence of David C. 
Ives, Esq. It increased the travel more than a hundred-fold. 
Notices were posted at the corners of the streets, and we 
remember one which said Camp Stanton, placed on the 
northeast corner of the old town hall. Every possible kind of 
a conveyance was used to transport visitors to the camp, while 
thousands went on foot. The encampment was divided into 
streets, with the tents and cook houses ranged on either side, 
running from the highway to the pond. Some of the streets were 
named as follows : Merrimac Street, Peanut Row, Rue De 
Vichi, and Dolan Avenue ; and the buildings, Surf Ranche, 
Whittier House, Harris Hotel, Owl House, etc. 

At the same time might be seen, near the Centre depot, 



174 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

two tents of original pattern, and on inquiry you might find 
here were the Lincoln guards of Camp Ellsworth, boys who 
were introducing themselves to the soldier life. 

On the 6th of October an American eagle was seen perched 
upon one of the little spires on the Central Church steeple. 
From this he flew to the liberty pole, rested about five 
minutes, and then flew in a southerly direction. 

At Thanksgiving the soldiers were all remembered with 
boxes from home containing turkeys, chickens, puddings, pies, 
etc., thus transplanting a Massachusetts custom to the South, 
and the first recommendation of that day in North Carolina 
by Chaplain Whitcomb is still preserved in Lynnfield Centre. 

From the camp ground could be heard in the morning and 
at sunset the roar of artillery and the deafening cannon ; 
uniforms and drums were plenty on the streets. The mails 
were heavy, as never before or since, with letters, papers, and 
packages for and from the soldiers. Newspapers were read 
with a keen relish and brightened countenance when the 
North won the victory, although on some copperhead would 
beam a smiling face when it was rumored that the South had 
beaten, or reported that Jeff Davis was secreted in this town. 

But at last, 'tis declared that slavery is dead, that the noble 
President has freed a million of slaves. But soon we hear the 
bell tolling, and learn that the great Lincoln is no more, that 
a traitor's hand has shot him. Every token of mourning is 
employed, in public and in private. The Central Church was 
draped, and services held on the occasion, as in other places. 

We wish we could, in this connection, record the dedication 
of a monument to the fallen heroes, or even that steps were 
taken toward it, but we are glad to know their names on our 
roll of honor are read, their deeds recollected, whenever Decora- 
tion (lay brings us its sad memories. Some of the patriotic 
people called a town meeting to see if the town would provide 
a soldiers' monument, but it was defeated ; still the writer 




CAPT. JOHN PERKINS. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 75 

has faith to believe that Lynnfield will yet do her duty in this 
memorial act. To him it is a very sad day, for on May 30, 
1863, Henry B. Wellman, his brother, breathed his last on 
Southern soil, and was laid to sleep beneath the magnolia-tree 
in a far-off clime. 

How many sad heartaches have been caused by this war, 
and how many homes have been changed by it ! Let us 
cherish its memories. Let us not forget its lessons, and above 
all let us never forget its heroes ; and when we live over the 
yesterdays, may we have them in our hearts, and, like those 
who fought for their country more than a century ago, may 
they be embalmed in the future, and being dead may they yet 
speak to us. 

At the time the war broke out there were one hundred and 
thirty-eight enrolled militia in town ; and we think Lynnfield 
may well be proud of the great proportion of these who became 
soldiers at their country's call. 

We give a list of our noble soldiers who went from this 
town. But first, we quote a poem written on the death of 
Lieut. Benjamin W. Parsons, by Miss Charlotte Kingsbury ; and 
after the list of soldiers we subjoin the " roll of honor "as it is 
read on Memorial day each year, and which each year grows 
longer as the ranks are thinned. 

" Peace, life's day of battles over, 

Now we lay thee down to rest, 
With thy soldier's garments on thee, 

Folded close across thy breast. 
All our kind good-nights are spoken, 

Hushed our last soft evening's song, 
Closely we will lay the covering, 

For thy night's repose is long. 
Love and life to country given, 

We no wreaths have need to twine. 
For the laurel decks thy pillow. 

And a patriot's bed is thine. 
Sweetly sleeping, Jesus guarding 

With his ever-watchful eye, 



176 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Till the great reveille is sounded, 

In thy land's loved bosom lie. 
With our grateful hearts o'erflowing 

For thy deeds of valor done, 
And in cause of right and freedom 

For all glorious victories won. 
Hoping, trusting, we will leave thee. 

Though we part with tears and pain, 
For when dawns the long to-morrow. 

We in joy may meet again.*' 

George B.Otis, farmer, Lynnfield, 18 yrs. ; enlisted July 26, 
1861, for 3 years, 19th Reg., Co. C ; single; son of John and 
Hannah. 

George W. Palmer, Lynnfield, 23 yrs. ; enlisted Aug. 28, 
1 86 1, 19th Reg., Co. A; married; died in hospital; son of 
Asa and Mary Ann. 

Arthur C. Richardson, shoemaker, Lynnfield, 24 yrs. ; en- 
listed Oct. 5, 1861, for 3 yrs., 22d Reg.; re-enlisted, and 
made lieutenant ; single ; son of Osborne and Mary. 

Daniel N. McDuffee, farmer, Lynnfield, 35 yrs.; private; 
enlisted Oct. 5, 1861 ; Sharpshooters, 2d Co.; single; dis- 
charged July 28, 1862, for disability ; son of Daniel and Eliza. 

Benjamin W. Parsons, shoemaker, Lynnfield, 25 yrs.; en- 
listed May I, 1861 ; private; became lieutenant; enlisted 
July 6, 1862, Rifle Rangers ; single ; son of Israel and Emily. 

Amos Howard of Burlington, shoemaker, 23 yrs.; enlisted 
Aug. II, 1862, for 3 yrs., 33d Reg., Co. D ; single. 

Charles W. H. Coney, a native of Lynnfield, went from 
North Reading, 19 yrs.; enlisted for 3 yrs., July 18, 1862, 
33d Reg., Co. A ; lost an arm ; son of Jeremiah and Sophia. 

Charles Carroll Meader, Lynnfield, shoemaker, 31 yrs.; 
private; enlisted June 13, 1861 ; married; 3 years. 

James Green, Lynnfield, shoemaker ; private ; enlisted 
Feb. 21, 1862, for 3 yrs., Heavy Artillery, Co. i ; married. 

Samuel W. Phillipps, Lynnfield, shoemaker, 30 yrs. ; private ; 
Oct. 21, 1862, Heavy Artillery, Co. 2 ; married. 



I 



OV LYNNFIPXD, MASS. 1 77 

Herbert A. Skinner, Lynnfield, shoemaker, 26 yrs. ; private ; 
enlisted Oct. 21, 1862, Heavy Artillery, Co. 2 ; married. 

George N. Whiting, Lynnfield, shoemaker, ^t, yrs. ; private ; 
enlisted Oct. 21, 1862, Heavy Artillery, Co. 2 ; married. 

A. Noble, Lynnfield, shoemaker, 21 yrs.; private; enlisted 
Jan. 6, 1862, for 3 yrs., Unattached Cavalry; single. 

William C. Whitcomb, Lynnfield, clergyman, 43 yrs. ; chap- 
lain ; married ; died at Newbern, N. C. 

Joseph E. Newhall, Cambridge, farmer, 18 yrs.; enlisted 
Sept. 19, 1862, for 9 mos., 47th Reg., Co. A; single; son of 
Joseph. 

Jonas P. Barden, Lynnfield, farmer, 18 yrs.; enlisted July 
30, 1862, for 3 yrs., 39th Reg., Co. A ; single ; private. 

Anthony P. Hegner, Lynnfield, locksmith, 18 yrs. ; private ; 
enlisted July 31, 1862, 39th Reg., Co. A ; 2d corporal. 

Samuel H. Mitchell, Lynnfield, shoemaker, 18 yrs.; en- 
listed July 31, 1862, 39th Reg., Co. A; single. 

Jesse Crosby, Lynnfield, 34 yrs.; enlisted June 13, 1861, 
for 3 yrs., nth Reg., Co. I ; private ; discharged; married. 

Benjamin Crowell, Lynnfield, shoemaker, 38 yrs.; June 13, 
1 86 1, for 3 yrs., nth Reg., Co. I; single; discharged; re- 
enlisted, an 1 killed near Port Hudson, Louisiana, May 
21, 1863 ; he was a private. 

Charles H. Forrester, shoemaker, Lynnfield, 21 yrs.; en- 
listed June 13, 1 86 1, nth Reg., Co. I; single; private; son 
of Peter and Eunice. 

Ira M. Ramsdell, Lynnfield, 23 yrs. ; private ; enlisted June 
13, 1861, nth Reg., Co. I; single; son of Joseph and 
Sophia. 

Joseph H. Richardson, Lynnfield, 22 yrs.; enlisted June 13, 
1861, nth Reg., Co. I ; single ; son of Aaron and Mary. 

Joseph L. Wiley, shoemaker, Lynnfield, 26 yrs. ; private ; 
June 13, 1 86 1, nth Reg., Co. I ; wounded at the battle of 
Gettysburg, July 3, 1863 ; single; son of Robert and Rosetta. 



178 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

George M. Somers, shoemaker, Lynnfield, 34 yrs. ; private ; 
enlisted July 31, 1862, for 3 yrs., 39th Reg., Co. A; married. 

Francis S. Richardson, farmer, Lynnfield, 24 yrs. ; private; 
enlisted July 30, 1862, for 3 yrs., 39th Reg., Co. A; single; 
son of John and Lucinda. 

George Cox, Lynnfield, 24 yrs.; private; Sept. 19, 1862, 
9 mos., 50th Reg., Co. E ; married ; farmer ; son of Benjamin 
and Clarissa. 

Benjamin T. Brown, Lynnfield, painter, 25 yrs. ; private ; 
Sept. 19, 1862, 9 mos., 50th Reg., Co. E; single; son of 
William H. and Sarah. 

Irving Richardson, Lynnfield, shoemaker, 21 yrs. ; private ; 
Sept. 19, 1862, 9 mos., 50th Reg., Co. E; single; son of 
Osborne and Mary. 

William C. Mclntire, Lynnfield, 30 yrs.; Sept. 3, 1862- 
June 16, 1865 ; ex-privateer of service, 40th Reg., Co. F. 

George A. Norwood, Lynnfield, 18 yrs.; single; Sept. 3, 
1862-June 10, 1865; time out; 40th Reg., Co. F; son of 
James and Elmira ; died at 80 yrs. 

Reuben Purdy, Lynnfield, 28 yrs.; Sept. 3, 1862-June 16, 
1865 ; time out; 40th Reg., Co. F. 

Capt. Thomas R. Keenan, Lynnfield, 25 yrs.; Feb. 26, 
1864-September, 1864 ; discharged for disability ; single. 

Edwin T. Hills, Lynnfield, 18 yrs.; single; Sept. 2, 1861 ; 
discharged Oct. 31, 1862; disability; First Company Sharp- 
shooters, M. v., three years. 

George A. Richardson, Lynnfield, 35 years ; enlisted Dec. 
16, 1863, for three years. First Reg. Heavy Artillery, M. V. 

Henry A. Hewes, Lynnfield, 29 years ; enlisted Aug. 26, 
1863; died at Newbern, N. C, Oct. 2, 1863; married; son 
of Joel and Sarah. 

Joseph H. Forrester, Lynnfield, 21 yrs.; single; quarter- 
master sergeant; enlisted Aug. 14, 1863, 3d Reg. Heavy 
Artillery, M. V., three years ; son of Peter and Eunice. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 79 

Isaac H. Mitchell, shoemaker, Lynnfield, 25 yrs. ; enlisted 
Aug. 7, 1862, 39th Reg., Co. H; married; wounded. 

Jonathan H. Mitchell, shoemaker, Lynnfield, 33 yrs. ; 
private; enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, 39th Reg., Co. A; married; 
was in Libby Prison. 

William Oliver Mansfield, farmer, Lynnfield, 21 yrs.; en- 
listed July 31, 1862, for three years, 39th Reg., Co. A; 
single ; son of Oliver and Elizabeth. 

Wendell G. Nichols, farmer, Lynnfield, 24 ; private ; en- 
listed July 31, 1862, for three years, 39th Reg., Co. A ; single. 

Levi S. Russell, shoemaker, first lieutenant, Lynnfield, 31 
yrs.; May 4, 1863, nth Reg. Lifantry, three years; was 
second lieutenant, Aug. 28, 1862, and first sergeant, June 13, 
1861 ; son of Orin and Esther. 

Joseph L. Wiley, corporal, Lynnfield, 26 yrs.; June 13, 
1 86 1, nth Reg. Infantry, M. V., three years. 

John P. Mead, Lynnfield, 27 yrs. ; killed July 21, 1861, at 
the battle of Bull Run, Va. 

Daniel B, Wiley, Lynnfield, 18 yrs.; single; June 13, 
1 86 1, three years, nth Reg. Infantry, M. V.; son of Robert 
and Rosetta. 

Joseph Martin, Lynnfield; mustered Aug. 17, 1863, for 
three years; deserted March 27, 1864; belonged to i6th 
Reg. Inf., Co. K, M. V. 

George O'Neil, Lynnfield, 32 yrs. ; mustered July 14, 1861 ; 
discharged Oct. 10, 1861, for disability; hospital steward; 
17th Reg. Inf., M. V. 

James Conner, Lynnfield, 35 yrs. ; mustered July 30, 1861 ; 
discharged Feb. 2, for disability; T7th Reg., Co. A, M. V., 
three years. 

Charles P. Skinner, Lynnfield, 18 yrs.; mustered Aug. 6, 
1862; transferred Sept. 26, 1863, to R. C, Co. C, 33d 
Reg., M. v., three years; lost an eye; son of Caleb and 
Mary. 



l8o HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

George O. Rarasdell, sergeant, Lynnfield, 32 yrs. ; mustered 
Aug. 14, 1863, Co, D, 3d Reg. H. A., M. V., 3 yrs. 

James H. Newhall, Lynnfield, 39 yrs. ; mustered Dec. 29, 

1863, Co. D, 3d Reg. H. A., M. V., 3 yrs. 

Henry E. Wiley, Lynnfield, 18 yrs. ; mustered Jan. 5, 1864, 
Co. D, 3d Reg. H. A., M. V., 3 yrs. 

George Reed, Lynnfield, 18 yrs.; mustered Jan. 5, 1864, 
Co. D, 3d Reg., M. v., 3 yrs. 

J. Atvvell Noble, first sergeant, Lynnfield, 2 1 yrs. ; mustered 
Dec. 27, 1 86 1, Co. L, 3d Reg. of Cavalry, M. V., 3 years. 

Edward Moulton, Lynnfield, 21 yrs.; mustered Dec. 31, 

1864, 3d Reg. of Cavalry, M. V., 3 yrs. 

Zachary Wiley, Lynnfield, 21 yrs.; Dec. 31, 1864, Co. N, 
3d Reg. of Cavalry. 

Charles E. Wiley, Lynnfield, 26 yrs.; mustered Dec. 31, 
1864, Co. C, 4th Reg. of Cavalry, M. V., 3 yrs. 

James Gray, Lynnfield; mustered Aug. 9, 1862 ; died July 
17, 1863, at New Orleans, La. ; Co. I, 3d Regiment Cavalry, 
M. v., 3 years. 

Herbert A. Skinner, Lynnfield, 26 yrs. ; corporal ; mus- 
tered Oct. 20, 1865, Co. B, First Battalion H. A., M. V., 
3 years ; married. 

James G. Robinson, Lynnfield, 34 yrs. ; mustered Jan. 5, 
1864 ; First Battalion H. A., M. V., 3 years. 

Daniel P. Cook, Lynnfield, t,^ yrs. ; mustered Aug. 31, 1864, 
Co. G, First Reg. of Cavalry, M. V., 3 years ; died. 

Justus W. Emerson, shoemaker, Lynnfield, 2 1 yrs. ; Sept. 
19, 1862 ; private, 9 mos., 50th Reg., Co. E ; single ; son of 
Oliver and Eliza; re-enlisted Sept. i, 1864; First Reg. 
Cavalry, M. V., 3 years. 

Osborne Richardson, Jr., shoemaker, Lynnfield, 19 yrs.; 
private; Sept. 19,1862; 9 mos., 50th Reg., Co. E; single; 
son of Osborne and Mary. 




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WB^' 












OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. l8l 

Henry B. Wellman, cabinet maker, T.ynnfield, 22 yrs. ; pri- 
vate ; Sept. 19, 1862, 9 mos., 50th Reg., Co. E ; single ; died 
in hospital at Baton Rouge, La,, May 30, 1863 ; son of 
Thomas and Sophia. 

Myron H. Whittredge, shoe cutter, Lynnfield, 20 yrs. ; 
private; Sept. 19, 1862; 9 mos., 50th Reg., Co. E; single; 
son of William A. and Mary J. 

Joshua Oilman Hawkes, teacher, Lynnfield, 31 yrs. ; Oct. 
II, 1862 ; 9 mos., 52d Reg. ; single ; son of Joshua and Abi- 
gail ; died, drowned July 24, 1863. 

ROLL OF HONOR, LYNNFIELD'S FALLEN HEROES. 

Henry B. Wellman. Jonathan Pilling. 

Asa R. Reed. Henry E. Hewes. 

Benj. W. Parsons. Daniel Townsend. 

Oeorge W. Wiley. Wendell Nichols. 

Edward S. Coney. Charles Forrester. 

Henry A. Oates. John P. Mead. 

Richard H. Hewes. Joseph Wiley. 

James M. Roberts. Thomas Keenan. 

Henry E. Wiley. Joshua O. Hawkes. 

Manfred C. Cook. William H. Oray. 

James Norwood. Daniel Needham. 

William C. Whitcomb. Thomas W. Harris. 

Benjamin Crowell. Daniel P. Cook. 

Jonas P. Barden. F^benezer Parsons. 

Oeorge W. Young. Ebenezer Hart. 

Charles E. Ooss. Oeorge W. Wellman. 

Joseph L. Hart. Oeorge A. Norwood. 
Oeorge Norwood. 

Memorial day was first publicly observed in 1880. The 
address was given by Mr. Eben. Parsons, of this town, who 
also gave one in 1892, and we are pleased to select a few 
sentences from this first address, especially as they were the 



t82 history of the town 

words of a man who can boast that both of his grandfathers 
were soldiers of the Revolution : — 

" And we who saw them leave the plough afield, the shoe 
unmated in the shop, their homes and all they held dear, to 
rush to the defence of Washington, and parry the expected 
thrust at the nation's heart, and as the contest deepened, and 
it became evident that we had engaged in no sham fight, or 
sixty days' affair, but in a death grapple with the Titans of dis- 
cord and misrule, when we saw them quietly buckle on their 
armor for the struggle of years, and resolutely march forward 
with hardship, disease, and death, disputing the way at every 
step, did we then doubt that the blood of the heroes of the 
Revolution was circulating still, that we again had defined for 
us the vioxdi patriotism, and saw it illustrated in brilliant colors? 

" Few grudged then the soldier his meed of praise, and * hur- 
rah for the boys in blue ' was no mere holiday burst of eclat, 
but the expression of a deep sentiment of gratitude and well 
wishing, mingled with reverence for their courage, and energy, 
and sacrifice. 

"Many a one who, till then, had seemed a mere waif of so- 
ciety, who had never found his niche of usefulness, and had 
been looked upon by his neighbors as an eccentric and ne'er 
do well, suddenly found his place and fell into line, showing 
that manliness and heroism were there, needing only that the 
exigency should tear away the mask. 

" On this beautiful Memorial day that stands at the wide- 
open gates of summer, her hands filled with Nature's floral 
bounty, we will take these elements of her transfiguration and 
fitting emblems of ours, and lay them above the sacred dust 
of those who fought and fell, that we might live and enjoy the 
blessing of the noblest and freest country earth bears upon 
her bosom. 

"And may it never become a mere perfunctory service, 
tediously and ceremoniously performed, but an enthusiastic 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 83 

tribute of gratitude, a sacred souvenir of the sadness we felt in 
our country's darkest hour, mingled with the joy that filled 
our hearts when victory perched upon the standard their 
hands upheld and defended. 

" They see the tribute fond their comrades lay 
On the green turf that hides their dust away, 
And say, albeit unheard by mortal ear, 
' Loved and remembered yet another year.' " 

And we add the following stanza from the same pen : — 

" Glory Hallelujah ! 

There's light in the sky; 
Glory Hallelujah ! 

At length the bondman's cry 
Has pierced the thick o'erhanging clouds 

And reached the throne on high. 
The stripes and stars hurrah ! 
Our joy shall echo far. 
The stripes for our oppressors now, 
For us each shining star." 

Lynnfield at the present time has two observances on Me- 
morial day, one at the Centre and one at the south part of the 
town, and generally there are two orations and two collations. 
Rev. Harry L. Brickett has many times addressed them, and 
Mr. Eben. Parsons twice, as previously stated. He has also 
given a poem. 

CAMP OF THE LYNNFIELD VETERANS. 

In response to a call signed by Geo. H. S. Driver and 
I. H. Mitchell, addressed to the veterans of Lynnfield and 
issued in June, 1893, a goodly number of them gathered at 
the house of A. E. Copeland, and committees were appointed 
to perfect a permanent organization, draw up a constitution, 
etc. The meeting was then adjourned to be held at the 
town hall a month later. Among the first to become mem- 
bers were the following : — 



184 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

A. E. Copeland. Benj. T. Brown. 

Geo. H. S. Driver. P. McArthur. 

I. H. Mitchel]. C. F. Pearson. 

A. O. Ramsdell. J. H. Newhall. 

G. Williams. D. D. Hewes. 

J. W. Emerson. O. Richardson. 
Geo. O. Ramsdell. 

Afterward the following comrades became members : — 
T. E. Brown. Thomas West. 

F. J. Coggin. Jerome N. Day. 

E, Q. Moulton. Geo. Reed. 

Daniel F. Brown. Reuben Coates. 

The following sons of veterans also became associate mem- 
bers : Harold B. Driver, Geo. H. Driver, Charles E. Pearson. 
Many of the townspeople became contributing members. 

The first camp fire was held Nov. 14, 1893, and was a com- 
plete success. Comrade Dickey delivered an address in the 
town hall to a very appreciative audience. By these means 
the camp has now a fund of I68.15, of which amount $5 was 
donated as a nucleus by Mr. E. Parsons for the special object 
of obtaining tablets to be placed in the town hall, or else to 
provide some other memorial of the veterans deceased. 

The officers of the camp are as follows : — 

A. E. Copeland, Commander. 

Benj. T. Brown, Vice-Commander. 

Geo, H. S. Driver, Chaplain. 

Geo. H. S. Driver, Quartermaster. 

I. H, Mitchell, Adjutant. 

A. O. Ramsdell, Guard. 

C. F. Pearson, Past Commander. 

One member has been mustered out, viz., Geo. O. Ramsdell. 

Extract from a letter written by Benjamin W. Parsons to 
his cousin, E. Parsons : — 



OF lA'NNFIELD, MASS. 1 85 

Ship Island, Miss., March 5, 1862. 

Dear Coz, — It is now more than two months since I have seen the 
face of a friend, and it may be years, or even eternity, before we shall 
meet again. I sometimes think, shall I always be well? Will the 
climate always agree with me as well as now, or shall I, like some others, 
be taken with the Southern complaints and be carried away? We have 
but little sickness now in our camp, but we know not how soon we may 
be attacked by disease, and then what shall we do? Here are three 
companies of cavalry without medicines or surgeon, with no one directly 
to look out for us, depending on the charities of the " Dough Boys' " surgeon 
for all we have. This is not as it should be with such a corps of men as 
we are supposed to be. Supper is the order, and I must stop. After 
tattoo, and I will finish this letter that it may go by the morning mail. 

Our life in camp is very pleasant, interspersed with incidents exciting 
in themselves, as the participators will testify. Once or twice a week I 
take a journey up the island for wood; the distance to the woods is seven 
miles. The way we bring down the wood is to make a raft and tow it 
down, wading in the water all the way; most of the time it is about three 
feet deep, but in some of the places it is over your head. 

One day last week I went for logs to build a cook house, and at about 
four in the afternoon two of us started to bring down the raft; it was 
large, and we moved slowly, and when we reached the pickets it was after 
dark; the countersign had been given, and there I was, a sergeant, ar- 
rested by the grand guard and taken to the guard-house, and you may 
guess I felt well, wet to the skin from head to foot, my boots and socks 
sent into camp by one of the men who had gone before. I had to wait 
quite awhile before the officer of the day came, and when he did come I 
had two miles to walk before I could get dry clothes. 

But my experience is nothing compared to some of the men's. Only 
yesterday a boat's crew left the upper end of the island to come to camp. 
The wind was out, and they came near being blown on to the rebel's 
territory, but by dint of hard work they succeeded in reaching the island, 
after being blown some ten miles from it. I tell you the men were glad 
to get back to camp, and some of them say they will never venture in a 
boat again while on the island. Still another boat's crew came near 
being lost through the inexperience of the officers. They went away on 
Sunday to another island near this, and were unable to leave until Mon- 
day on account of the weather, then the men were exhausted from the 
want of proper food. The boat drifted to the leeward, despite all their 
exertions to the contrary, and had it not been for one of the gun-boats 



1 86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

going to their aid, they would have been rebel prisoners long before 
this, as there was a gun-boat after them sent from the rebels. 

But the saucy appearance of the " New London " strikes terror into 
the hearts of all the rebel officers. Why, the other morning she came in 
with eleven vessels in tow that she had taken in one cruise of some forty 
hours, and she often brings in three, four, and five at a time. 

We came near being captured when we came out, as we have since 
learned there was a vessel lying watching for us to come, but missed us, 
and the next day the steam frigate " Niagara " came along. The rebels 
made a fatal mistake and tired into her, one of our largest men-of-war. 
The result was the frigate opened a broadside on her, and she lay helpless 
on the water, everything swept smooth to the deck. The hulk now lies 
almost on the beach in front of our quarters, and we are thus daily 
reminded of our narrow escape. Will write more soon. 

B. W. PARSONS. 

Address Sergt. B. W. Parsons, care of Capt. Magee, 2d Div. Light 
Cavalry, Ship Island, Miss. 



OF LYNNFIET-D, MASS. 1 87 



CHAPTER XII. 
Families of Lynnfleld. 

The Aborns came to Lynn more .than two hundred years 
ago, and it is said the first of that name was Samuel. Samuel 
came to Lynn End, now Lynnfield, and purchased eleven 
acres of land in the eastern part of the town for forty pounds 
of bills of credit, Dec. 19,1738, and at that time probably built 
the large house, torn away a few years ago. One prominent 
member of the Aborns was Dr. John Aborn, who died in the 
forty-first year of his age, Nov. 8, 1768. His wife was Re- 
becca Bancroft. Another was Dea. Aborn, who lived at the 
west part of the town, in the Miles Thurston house. Dea. 
John Aborn and his brothers and sisters were born in 
this house, and lived there till their removal to Wake- 
field. Dea. John, when the chapel was built for the Central 
Church a few years ago, gave ;^50 as a memorial of his grand- 
father Aborn, who was an officer in the church. In the 
Peabody Academy of Science, at Salem, is a large wild-cat 
stuffed, killed in Lynnfield by Eben. Aborn, 1832, which looks 
as fresh as if just taken from the woods. 

Thomas Bancroft, who first came over, was born in Eng- 
land. He died Aug. 19, 1691. He is recorded in the county 
records as Lieut. Thomas Bancroft. He owned a large tract 
of land and built a house near Beaver Dam, at Lynnfield. 
He was married, before leaving England, to Miss Elizabeth 
Metcalf, of Dover. He was buried at Wakefield, where his 
ancient tombstone may still be seen. His brother, who left 



1 88 HISTORY OF THE TOW'N 

England with him, settled in Brimfield, Conn., and another 
died on the passage here or soon after. He had three sons : 
Thomas, who settled in Reading, and it is said built the fourth 
house in that place, about 1669, where he died June 12, 17 18; 
another son, Ebenezer, has posterity still residing in Lynnfield 
Centre; John Bancroft, his second son, born March 3, 1650, 
died Jan. 25, 1739, aged 89 years, at Lynnfield, leaving three 
sons and five daughters : Mary, married David Wellman ; Eliza, 
a Mr. Carter ; Susan, a Mr. Waite ; Eunice, Mr. Bancroft ; Jane, 
Mr. Whitney. He also had by his second wife, Nathaniel, born 
Oct. 28, 1 7 15. Timothy, his second son, settled in Lunen- 
burg. Nathaniel married May 18, 1749, Mary Taylor, of Sud- 
bury, by whom he had four sons and four daughters. The 
three eldest sons and one daughter died in infancy, Hannah 
married John Danforth, left a son who also resided in Lynn- 
field, being the father of the late John Danforth, and grand- 
father of the present John M. Danforth, of this place. 

Nathaniel Bancroft was deacon of the First Church in this 
town, as was his father before him, and the house he built one 
hundred and fifty years ago is still standing. He had a son, 
Thomas, born Nov. 4, 1765, married Elizabeth Ives of Salem, 
and he died at Canton, China, Nov. 15, 1807, leaving a son, 
Thomas Boyington Bancroft. James, son of John, married 
Esther Smith, of Reading, and died Aug. 22, 1814, aged 82 
years. His wife died March 25 of the same year. He was, by 
trade, a house joiner, and cultivated a small farm in Lynnfield, 
inherited from his father. He left one son, James, who fought 
in the Revolutionary War, and who was the father of four sons 
and three daughters. James, Henry, Charles, Sarah Parsons, 
and Harriet lived to mature age ; the latter became the wife 
of Rev. Benjamin C. Cutler, of Brooklyn, New York, an Epis- 
copal clergyman. 

Henry Bancroft, born Aug. 9, 1786, was the only one who 
spent his life and died in this town. He married Eliza, 




WILLIAM R. KOUNDY. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 1 89 

daughter of Rev. Joseph Mottey, of Lynnfield, Oct. i6, 1821 ; 
was by profession a mariner ; began his career the 5 th of No- 
vember, 1800 ; April, 1804, was chosen mate of a ship ; in June 
was first ofificer, aged seventeen years and ten months ; Dec. 
7, 1806, took command of a brig when but nineteen years 
and four months, and from that continued as master (with 
the exception of two years as first officer, and one cruise as 
second lieutenant of a privateer, during the war of 1812-15) 
till the last of December, 1835, when he quit the sea and re- 
sided in Lynnfield Centre till his death, Feb. 10, 1869. He 
had two sons and one daughter : George Mottey, lost at sea, 
February, 1851 ; Henry Alexander, returned from Canton, 
China, August, 1856, after an absence of seven years; the 
daughter, Eliza Ann Moody, married Cyrus Wakefield, Esq., 
of Wakefield, Mass., October, 1841. 

The Bancroft family is quite widely diffused. It is said that 
Samuel Bancroft, who was the father of Rev. Aaron Bancroft, 
had four sons and seven daughters. His wife died November, 
1 81 3, leaving a posterity of three hundred and thirty-three. 
The Rev, Aaron Bancroft, of Worcester, before mentioned, 
was the father of George Bancroft, the eminent historian of 
this country, thus we show that he sprang from a Lynnfield 
family. 

Lieut. Thomas Bancroft, who is buried at Wakefield, has 
the oldest tombstone in that town. He was interred in the 
first burial ground in the Common not far from the Pagoda. 
When the ground was merged into the Common, his stone, 
with the others, was moved to the more recent ground. As he 
belonged to Lynnfield, and died here, it would be a good plan 
to bring back his monument where he lived and died. 

One branch of this family is that of Thomas Bancroft, who 
came from Reading, married Lydia Brown, and reared a 
large family of children. Henry succeeded his father on his 
farm, which was very valuable and was once the Wellman 



I go HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

estate. Mr. Thomas Bancroft married Ruth Wellman for a 
second wife. Warren, a son of Thomas, was deacon of the 
church here, and left a large family. Joseph T., his son, was 
elected to the same office as his father. Thomas Bancroft, 
son of Thomas aforesaid, was known, till his death in 1861, as 
an extensive hardware merchant in Salem, and was the father 
of Dea. Thomas Frederick Bancroft (all natives of Lynn- 
field), of Lynn, who was killed at the Revere disaster a few 
years ago. 

Miss Mary Mansfield Bancroft, who died Nov. 21, 1886, 
was a daughter of Thomas Bancroft. She was an earnest, 
helpful. Christian woman. At her death she left the Evan- 
gelical Congregational Church, of which she was a member, a 
fund of one thousand dollars, beside other gifts. 

Henry Bancroft, son of Thomas and Lydia (Brown) Ban- 
croft, was born Dec. 8, 1806, and died Feb. 23, 1870. Henry 
Bancroft was a farmer by occupation, and lived in Lynnfield 
all his life, except for a brief period which he spent in Ando- 
ver, Mass. He married Eunice Mansfield, Jan. 12, 1837. 
Their children were Abby A. and Eunice M. He was a mem- 
ber of the Orthodox Congregational Society from its beginning. 
He never courted publicity, but lived a quiet, unobtrusive, 
kindly life. His only surviving child, herself an honored mem- 
ber of the community, holds his memory dear and precious. 
He had two daughters, both of whom have been wives of George 
E. Herrick, who was born at Salem, March 22, 1835 ; moved 
to Danvers, 1 844, now Peabody ; studied at Thetford, Vt. ; 
taught school in Massachusetts and Vermont ; came to 
Lynnfield, April 24, 1861, when he was married to Miss Abby 
A. Bancroft; was married April 5, 1877,10 her sister, Eunice 
M. Bancroft; was chosen deacon of Central Church, Feb. 17, 
1879; was on the school committee sixteen years ; has two 
sons and two daughters; resides at Cedar Hill farm. 

George E. Batchelder was born in Salem, Mass., Sept 7, 



OF LYNNFIF'-.LD, MASS. 



J91 



1832 ; attended the Phillips Grammar and English High 
Schools ; married Miss Rebecca P. Southward, of Salem, Nov. 
23, 1858. Their only child, Mary Chesler, now Mrs. Frank 
M. Soule, with their three children, George B., Lewis, and 
Gladys, make their home in Montclair, N. J. His daughter 
was married Oct. 8, 1884, and his eldest grandson, George 
B., was born July 26, 1 885, in Lynnfield Centre. Mr. Batchelder 
resided in Somerville fifteen years, from March 10, 1869, re- 
moving to Lynnfield Centre, June 19, 1884, where he still 
resides. Has been connected with the Baptist denomination 
forty- two years. His connection with the Boston and Maine 
Railroad extended over a period of more than thirty- two years, 
holding the offices of clerk and freight auditor under Supt. 
William Merritt and General Manager James T. Furber. 
Since resigning his position on the Boston and Maine, he has 
given his attention somewhat to real estate, building several 
dwelling-houses in Reading and Lynnfield Centre. 

The name of Brown has been scattered through the history 
of Lynnfield at periods of short intervals. It has also abounded 
just over the line in Wakefield ever since the settlement of that 
place. On the records of Lynnfield we find the Browns in quite 
large numbers a century and a half ago. We remember in 
our boyhood stones of memorial in the old burying ground 
almost sunken out of sight, bearing this worthy name, that 
now can't be read. On the records w-e find in 1750 the names 
of Jacob Brown, Jonathan Brown, and ten years later the 
name of Joseph. In the year 1800 two families removed to 
Charlestown who had years before come here. Besides these 
there were several migratory families. 

James Brown settled at the south part of the town. His 
father lived in Charlestown, and gave each of his children 
farms in a more central part of the State. His son James 
said he did not like to live where there were so many bears 
and wild beasts, so the father bought a farm in what is now 



192 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

this town. His wife was Lydia Nichols, of Reading. She 
died Oct. 2, 1786. He then married, for his second wife, 
Susan WeHman, of Lynnfield, who died Nov. 8, 1802. 

Their children were Lydia, James, Mehitable, Timothy, 
Sally, John, Rebecca, Susanna, Stephen, Jonathan, and 
others. Rebecca married Elijah Hewes of this town. 
Susanna married John Seaver, and had two children, John 
and Mary A. Lydia was the first wife of Thomas Bancroft of 
Lynnfield, to whom she was married Nov. 25, 1790. She 
died Dec. 11, 18 13. James Brown, born Oct. 3, 1771, mar- 
ried Elizabeth Perkins of this place, Aug. 30, 1802. They 
afterward moved to Danvers, afterward South Danvers, since 
Peabody, and died there of good old age, and were laid in 
Harmony Grove Cemetery. He was deacon of the South 
Church, and was an excellent man. His father died at the 
home of this son, aged seventy years. John, son of James 
and brother of the deacon, married Abigail West, of Salem, 
and Timothy married Mary Mansfield, of the same place. 

Joseph Brown, at the time the oldest person in town, died 
of old age, July 17, 1891, aged ninety-two years three months 
and nineteen days, leaving quite a posterity. His father was 
Joseph Brown, and his mother, Mercy Southvvick, and he was 
born in Danvers. 

Mr. William Brown, who was killed at Wakefield in De- 
cember, i860, came from that place. His wife lived to a 
good old age. They had three sons who enlisted for their 
country during the last war : Benjamin T., Augustus B., and 
Thomas E. ; the second one died, and is buried in Forest Hill 
Cemetery. 

John Bryant was born 1722, and died 1795. He had two 
wives ; the first was Margaret Smith, the second Anna Lar- 
com, both natives of Beverly. His children were : Benjamin, 
Jonathan, Mary, Lydia, Elizabeth, Sarah, and John. Jonathan, 
second son, married Sarah Norwood, and they were the 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 193 

parents of John, Anna, and Sarah Bryant. Mr. John Bryant 
died, and his widow married John Derby, of Harvard, Mass. 
She died June 30, 1829, having been the mother of eleven 
children. Of the three children of John and Sarah Bryant, 
Sarah died while young, and Anna, who was blind, died at 
the age of twenty-four, while John, who was born 1772, 
married Sarah Brown, April 28, 1807, and they had eight 
children: John, born May 3, 18 10; Sarah, Jonathan, Anna, 
Brown, Lydia Nichols, Maria, Benjamin. Mr. John Bryant is 
still living at fourscore and five years of age, and Jonathan at 
eighty. Anna, Maria, and Benjamin still live at the old 
homestead. Lydia N. married Edwin Mudge, a prominent 
citizen of Danvers ; is a widow, and still resides there with 
her daughter. Sarah Frances Bryant married Warren Harris 
of Millbury, a highly esteemed citizen of that place, where is 
still her residence. The house has been built in which this 
family reside nearly ninety years, but it attests the care of its 
owner, as the engraving in this book will show. 

Jonathan Bryant, son of Jonathan and Sarah (Brown) 
Bryant, was born Jan. 11, 1815. He married Sarah P. 
Spokesfield, of Reading, 1839. She was the mother of his 
children, of whom three are living. She died 1873. He 
married Mrs. Hannah P. Pringle, 1874, who died February, 
1884. Nov. I, 1885, he married Mrs. Susan E. Green, of 
Reading. He is a farmer ; was postmaster several years, 
and was town treasurer nine years. He is a public-spirited 
citizen and a representative man of Lynnfield. 

The Chasson famiUes are residents of the eastern part of 
the town, and the history of them, if written out, would be 
one of the most interesting in town. The marriage on the 
town records reads as follows, date of 1828 : — 

"Thomas Chasson, steward of the ship 'Hyde Bachelor,' and Anne 
Henry, spinster, both at Calcutta, Fort William, in Bengal, were married at 
Calcutta aforesaid this thirteenth day of May, A. D. 1816, by me, Henry 
Shepherd, Senior, chaplain at the Presidency of Fort William." 



194 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

The above couple, natives of India, were the parents of 
Martha W., Lucy Ann Phillips, George W., Thomas J., Mary 
J., Caroline E. The father, Thomas Chasson, died, and the 
mother married John Stone. They had a daughter, Sarah, 
who, with her husband and one son, still lives on the home- 
stead. Mrs. Stone died 1886, and is buried in Forest Hill, 
leaving descendants of the fourth generation, having been 
married sixty years before. 

Rev. Ariel Parish Chute was born at Byfield, Mass., May 
10, 1809, and studied at Dummer Academy in that place; 
was also principal of Dummer Academy, Byfield, as well as 
Warren Academy and Milton Academy, Woburn. He was 
settled over Congregational churches in Oxford, Me., 
Pownal, Me., Ware, Mass. ; and supplied the pulpit at South 
Lynnfield, Mass., for six years. He died at Sharon, Mass.> 
Sunday, Dec. 18, 1887, of pneumonia, aged seventy-eight 
years. Mr. Chute was a descendant of James, who settled in 
Byfield at its commencement in 1681, who was a grandson of 
Lionel, who came from England in 1635, and whose ancestry 
is traced back to Alexander, born in 1268. These were writ- 
ten on a timeworn parchment once owned by the Rev. A. P. 
Chute. While at Lynnfield in 1850 he kept a select school, 
which was greatly appreciated. He was a great collector of 
curiosities, and about the time he was here sold a collection 
for $400. He was very much interested in the formation of 
the South Church in this town. 

John Danforth, Esq., was born in Lynnfield, November, 
1 8 14. Married Miss Sarah H. Perkins, daughter of Dea. 
John Perkins, and died in the house in which he was born. 
He passed away suddenly after a few hours' illness at the age 
of sixty-six years. He had been station agent for Lynnfield 
Centre ever since the railroad was built, a period of twenty- 
five years, a position for which he was admirably adapted. 
He was for more than a quarter of a century selectman. 



OF I.YNNFIELD, MASS. 1 95 

assessor, and overseer of the poor for this town, and discharged 
his duties with great fidehty. He also represented the 
town in the Legislature. He was one of the trustees of the 
Essex Agricultural Society. He owned one of the best farms 
in town, an heirloom from his father, grandfather, and gen- 
erations back. He was laid to sleep in Forest Hill Cemetery 
in a lot purchased by him at its consecration, and he was the 
first to occupy it. The town lost a valuable citizen, his family a 
kind husband and father, and the community a genial friend . 
In religion he was a Universalist, in politics a Republican. 
He leaves a wife and six children, three sons and three 
daughters. The oldest, John M., is selectman, etc., at the 
present time, has twice represented the town in the Legis- 
lature, is county commissioner, has been secretary of the 
Essex Agricultural Society for the past two years, and ably 
fills other important offices. He was born Jan. i, 1840. 

Dr. Nathaniel Bancroft Danforth, who was a brother of the 
first-mentioned John Danforth, was born at Lynnfield, Sept. 
24, 182 1 ; and died at Wrentham, Mass., Jan. 30, 1864, aged 
forty-two. He was buried in the West burying ground, beside 
his father and mother. He practised at his profession for 
many years in the town of Chatham, Mass., the home of his 
wife. He left one son, Galen B., who went as a missionory 
to Syria, and married a daughter of the late Simeon Calhoun 
(also a missionary), but both died ere the noon of life had 
come, and sleep on Oriental soil. 

Hubbard Emerson was born in South Reading, April 30, 
I 799. He was a resident of this town, and one of its most 
influential citizens for many years. He died Oct. 4, 1878. 
Cherishing his memory as one of our dearest possessions, we 
would quote as the fittest close to this brief notice his epi- 
taph : " He was loved for his merry heart, his open hand, 
his wise counsels, his soul of honor." 

George H. S. Driver was born in Salem, Feb. 4, 1842 ; 



196 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

removed to Danvers, 1854. Went on a voyage to Zanzibar, 
i860, in quest of health, which he obtained. Enlisted Oct. 
4, 1861, Co. E, 23d Regiment Infantry, which was in the Burn- 
side expedition to Hatteras. Was sick with typhoid fever, and 
discharged Sept. 28, 1862. Was married to Lucretia G. Lar- 
kin of Boston, Nov. 19, 1868; and has subsequently resided 
in Boston, Salem, Lynn, and Lynnfield, the latter place for more 
than ten years. He is at present in the real-estate business. 
Has been twice burned out in business. Is a member of the 
Episcopal Church, and an ardent Christian worker. He has 
two daughters and two sons, and owns a fine residence near 
the depot, Lynnfield Centre. He is one of the school com- 
mittee of the town at the present time (1895). 

The following tribute to Rev. Allan Gannett is copied from 
an article in a newspaper : " He was born in Tamworth, 
N. H., Jan. 5, 1804, and was the son of Dea. Matthew and 
Priscilla (Hayward) Gannett. His Puritan ancestors first 
settled in Scituate. He graduated at Dartmouth College in 
the same class with Hon. Salmon Chase, Prof. John Kendrick, 
and Rev. George Punchard. He spent two years at Andover 
Theological Seminary, and left in 1832. The year following 
he began to preach at North Conway, and was ordamed as 
pastor of the Trinitarian Congregational Church in that place, 
Jan. 20, 1836. He left North Conway in 1838. From 1841 
to 1843 he was acting pastor at Edgartown. In 1847 he was 
installed at North Beverly, where he remained until 1853. 
In the interval between his labors at Edgartown and his 
settlement at North Beverly, he resided two years or more at 
Georgetown, where he was engaged in editing the IVaich 
Tower, a weekly religious paper, and in preparing a few young 
men for college. During 1853-58 he resided at Nahant, 
and supplied the pulpit of the Independent Church there. 
Dining 1858-65 he was acting pastor of the Second Church 
of Lynnfiehi. In 1871 he was married to Mrs. Ann Eliza 



OF I.YNNFIET.D, MASS. I97 

Osborn, of Edgartown. Mr. Gannett was an earnest and 
fiiithful preacher. . . .He died at his residence in Edgartown, 
Oct. 16, 1 88 1, after an illness of about four months, at the 
age of seventy-seven years." 

Among the older famiUes of this town was the Geary, or, as 
now spelt, the Gerry family. The ancestor was Dennis Geary, 
of Irish blood. Lieut. John Geary was one of his descendants ; 
Elbridge Gerry, governor of Massachusetts, and Vice-Presi- 
dent of the United States, belonged to this stock, as also 
did afterward Gov. Gerry of Pennsylvania. Mr. Elbridge 
Gerry died in this town, Aug. 17, 1882, aged seventy-three 
years. He was born in Hillsboro, N. H. His son, Elbridge 
F. Gerry, owns the mill at the Centre, and has a son who 
wears the honored name of Elbridge. The Stoneham families 
of this name sprung from Lynnfield. A picture of (Kerry's 
mills forms one of the illustrations of this book. 

Rev. Henry Solomon, son of John W. and Sophia (Bond) 
Green, was born at Boston, Mass., Feb. 9, 1807 ; studied at 
Amherst Academy; graduated at Amherst College, 1834, and 
Andover Theological Seminary, 1837 ; ordained at Lynnfield, 
Dec. 27, 1837 ; dismissed April 29, 1850 ; acted as pastor in 
Ballardvale, in Andover, till he was installed pastor, April i, 
1855, and died in office. He represented Andover in the 
Legislature. He married Mary E., daughter of Stephen and 
Hannah (Russell) Abbott, of Andover, where she died Jan. 
27, 1878. They had five children. All died young, except 
Henry Mottey, who died Jan. 19, 1867. Rev. Mr. Green 
died at Ballardvale of apoplexy, June 11, 1880, aged seventy- 
eight years four months. He left in his will his home at 
Ballardvale at Andover as a parsonage for the Union Society, 
to be occupied only by the regularly settled minister of the 
society, and $1,000 to endow the Green scholarship at Amherst 
College as a memorial gift from H. S. Green, of the class of 
1834, and from H. M. Green, of the class of 1865, for the 



ig8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

benefit of some worthy graduate of the High or Punchard 
School of Andover, and $ioo each to the American Board 
and State Missionary Society. He sleeps in Andover, and 
his children who died here have been removed from this 
town to that. Mr. Green had many friends here, and he 
very often came back here, where he had hoped to spend his 
days, to say the last words over their sleeping forms. He 
named his son Henry Mottey for a former pastor here, whom 
he often used to speak of as Father Mottey. He was a great 
lover of children and ytung people ; in turn he was much 
beloved by them. He was presented with a silver pitcher on 
leaving this place, and his wife with a gold pencil. 

Stephen Oilman, son of Samuel and Sarah (Goodhue) Gil- 
man, was born in Meredith Village, N. H., Sept. 28, 181 9, 
and graduated at Harvard College in 1848. 

For a period of about twenty years he was engaged in 
teaching in Massachusetts and New York. He studied law in 
New York City with Mann & Parsons of Wall Street, and 
was admitted to the New York Bar, Nov. 24, 1871, and to the 
Suffolk Bar in April, 1879. 

In 1882 he was appointed by Gov. Long one of the trial 
justices of Essex County, which position he retained until 
November, 1894, when he resigned. 

On Aug. 7, 1 88 1, Mr. Oilman married the eldest daughter 
of Daniel and Sally S. (Taylor) Mansfield, of Lynnfield, Mass., 
namely, Esther W. Mansfield, who served as a teacher of much 
distinction in the public schools of the city of Boston for the 
period of more than thirty- three years, and received many 
public testimonials of the appreciation of superintendent, 
supervisors, school committee, and parents of the pupils under 
her care and instruction. 

Mr. and Mrs. Oilman make Lynnfield their residence. 

Gowing is a name that was one of the first in Lynnfield, 
and till of late has always been here ; and although the name 



OF T.YNNFIELD, MASS. 1 99 

is gone, still the descendants remain. It was one of the 
prominent families for generations. Daniel Gowing used to 
be a favorite name for generation after generation, but John, 
Gideon, Joseph, and Nathaniel are readily to be found as hav- 
ing lived here. 

More than one hundred years ago what is now known as 
the Cox farm used to be the Joseph Gowing Tavern, and the 
old house ic still standing and occupied. Beside this. Willow 
Castle was built more than two centuries ago. An ancient 
Gowing house stood on land now of John S. Flannigan, another 
where the Bryant house now is or near it, another where 
F. P. Russell's store is, and one in the east part of the town. 

The only remaining representatives of this once numerous 
family in Lynnfield are Mrs. Elizabeth Gowing Skinner, who 
has deservedly many warm friends, and her two sons, Fred 
and Edwin O. She is the wife of Mr. Otis W. Skinner, a 
thrifty farmer and worthy citizen. 

The Harts were among the very first families who settled in 
this place, and the crossing of the road near their early home 
is still known as " Hart's Corner." They were noted for their 
firmness, etc., a trait their descendants still possess. The 
name of Endicott was early brought into this family, and 
is still worn by their descendants. The grant of land that 
they occupied was miles in extent. 

The old Hart house stood near the one now occupied by 
John Bryant, and was torn down in the early part of this cen- 
tury, after having been inhabited by colored people and used 
to put hay in. The orchard, the cow yard and pig-sty were 
at least a quarter of a mile from the house. Several Hart 
houses have been built on the original grant. 

The people of this name have been always ready to go at 
their country's call, and have had the reputation of being val- 
iant soldiers. 

Ex-Mayor Thomas N. Hart is a descendant of one of these 



200 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

families, having been born in Lynnfield. The Hart and Tapley 
families and the Smiths intermarried with each other. We 
find among them the solid old names of John, Zerubbabel, 
E^benezer, in great plenty. 

The Harts still remain in town. Frank Hart, our town treas- 
urer and collector of taxes, is a descendant of this family, 
others are Eben. Parsons and Henry E. Smith. It is 
thought that the first settler here was named Isaac. The 
ancient cabinet taken with the governor's chair is marked 
" T. H.," and is supposed to mean Thomas Hart, and it is 
dated. 

The well-known name of Hawkes has belonged to Lynn- 
field ever since the settlement of the town, and the southwest 
part has always been their home. About a year ago George 
L. Hawkes sold the ancestral acres and removed to Wakefield. 
They were not far from the first Hawkes house built at North 
Saugus in 1629, where the two hundred and fiftieth anniver- 
sary was celebrated in 1879. At that time the writer could 
reckon more than one hundred persons who were descended 
from Adam and Eve Hawkes. The families have at one time 
and another held many important offices in precinct, district, 
and town. Hon. Nathan M. Hawkes, a noted lawyer of 
Lynn, and who is well known in other places, was born here 

George L. Hawkes, above mentioned, was a selectman, and 
represented the town in the Legislature. Sarah P. Hawkes. 
also lived here, but a few years ago moved to New Hampshire, 
where she died. 

Hon. Nathan Mortimer Hawkes was born in the house on 
the historic Tarbell place in Lynnfield, Nov. i, 1843. He 
happened to be born there because his father inherited the 
farm from his Tarbell ancestors. His parents were Nathan D. 
and Tacy Pratt Hawkes, who were both natives of that part 
of Lynn which a few years afcer their birth became Saugus. 
The Tarbell place was part of the land which Adam 



OF I.YNNFIELD, MASS. 201 

Hawkes, the immigrant Englishman, left to his American-born 
descendants. 

Mr. Hawkes attended the public schools of Lynn, and 
graduated at the Friends' School in Providence, R. I., in 
1 86 1. He immediately began to read law in the office of 
Perry & Endicott in Salem, and on his twenty-first birthday, 
the first day of November, 1864, on motion of Judge Endi- 
cott, he was admitted to the bar of Essex County. He has 
since pursued the practice of his profession. From 1867 to 
1879 he was special justice of the Lynn police court. In 
1869, 1870, 1871, and 1872 he was a member of the com- 
mon council of Lynn, during three of which years he was 
president of that body ; also a member of the school com- 
mittee, and a trustee of the public library. 

He was a member of the General Court for four years, 1875, 
1876, 1877, and 1878, and a member of the State Senate in 
1879. He is at present a member and secretary of the Lynn 
Park Commission. In 1887 and 1888 the Boston i^^r^;-// pub- 
lished a series of sketches entitled "The Best Town to live 
In." Mr. Hawkes showed his interest in his native town by 
contributing one setting out the charms of Lynnfield. He 
has published a work entitled " In Lynn Woods with Pen and 
Camera," 1893. 

The Essex Institute has printed his " Gleanings relative to 
the Family of Adam Hawkes," and " Semi-Historical Ram- 
bles among the Eighteenth-Century Places along Saugus 
River." Among his published addresses are " An Address at 
the Dedication of the new Town Hall at Lynnfield, Jan. 28, 
1892," "Annual Address delivered before the Essex Agri- 
cultural Society at Haverhill, Sept. 2 r, 1893," " A Memorial 
Address, James Robinson Newhall, delivered before the Lynn 
Press Association, Jan. 17, 1894," and "An Historical Ad- 
dress delivered before Bay State Lodge, No. 40, I. O. O. F., 
at its Fiftieth Anniversary, March 6, 1894." 



202 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

He is a member of the Essex Institute and of the New 
England Historic-Genealogical Society. 

Mr. Hawkes is the holder in fee of one bit of real estate in 
Lynnfield which has to him a peculiar interest. It is the 
little enclosure which contains the tomb wherein are deposited 
the mortal remains of some of his kin, including his great- 
grandfather, Jonathan Tarbell, a Danvers minuteman, who 
was on Lexington Green on the 19th of April, 1775. 

John, son of John Hewes, of Boston, was brought to Lynn- 
field when a child. He married Anna Wellman, and died 
Feb. 14, 181 7, and was the father of John, Jacob W., Benjamin, 
James, Joel, Elijah, and Joshua. Excellent portraits of the 
father and mother are still preserved by their descendants. 
The western burial ground contains the ashes of many by the 
name of Hewes, so that it has been called the Hewes burying 
ground. Six monuments in it have been placed there by 
persons of this family. 

David Hewes, son of Col. Joel Hewes, of California, en- 
tertained President Grant on a visit to that State. He also 
furnished the golden spike driven at the finishing of the 
Pacific Railroad. His brother, Charles W., was a Baptist 
clergyman in California at the time of his death, while his 
sister Ruth was the mother of Rev. Granville C. Abbott, a 
native of North Reading, and now a resident of California. 

Hon. Orrin Hewes, of Lynn, is also a grandson of the 
patriarch ; and Miss Mary C. Hewes, who married William L. 
Peabody,* and died at Omaha, Neb., was a granddaughter. 
Miss Mary W. Hewes, the accompUshed Lynnfield Centre 
organist, for several years, is a great-granddaughter. 

The Hewes family are remarkable for their enterprise, 
public spirit, and patriotism. 

*A graduate of Dartmouth College, class of 1856. In 1873 he was 
elected judge of probate, Omaha, Neb. 



i 



OF LVNNFIELD, MASS. 203 

Joshua and James have both been shoe manufacturers in 
this their native town. The latter went to Cahfornia in 1849, 
while both have held many ofifices of trust in town, and both 
have represented the town in the Legislature. 

This book contains two portraits of the Hewes family, both 
of whom have visited California. David Hewes is at the 
present time a resident there. Both were born in this town, 
and were cousins. 

James Hewes was elected to the convention to revise the 
Constitution ; represented this town in the Legislature ; a 
quarter of a century ago was school committee, etc. His 
wife was Sarah J., daughter of Bowman Viles, Esq. His 
eldest son, John, is a native and resident of this town, em- 
ployed at the custom house, Boston. James Hewes died 
August, 1875, aged 55 years. 

Rev. Jacob Hood, eldest son of John and Ruth (Gould) 
Hood, was born at Topsfield, Mass., Dec. 25, 1791, and was 
married to Sophia, daughter of Daniel Needham, Esq., of 
Lynnfield, June i, 1820. 

For many years he was a teacher in Marblehead, Salem, and 
other places. For about a quarter of a century he was a dea- 
con in the South Church, Salem, and for many years a leader 
in its choir. A beautiful silver pitcher is still in existence 
that was presented to him nearly fifty years ago in appre- 
ciation of his services in the line beforementioned. 

When he was sixty-eight years of age he was ordained as an 
Evangelical Congregational minister at Nottingham, N. H. ; 
and he was acting pastor for years of the South Church in 
Lynnfield, discharging the duties in a most faithful man- 
ner. 

At the age of more than seventy years he and his wife re- 
turned to Lynnfield and lived there till their decease, both greatly 
interested in everything around them. He served on the 
school committee, attending to its every detail. 



2 04 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

He was a great help to the pastors of the church in this 
place, and was loved by all. He died merely of age, February, 
1886 ; and Mrs. Sophia, his wife, November of the same year. 
They sleep in Forest Hill Cemetery, where a beautiful monu- 
ment marks their resting place. 

Their children are Jacob Augustine, who was born May 5, 
1822, graduated at Dartmouth College, 1844, and Union Theo- 
logical Seminary in New York in 1849, and was ordained pastor 
of thechurch at Middleton,Jan. 2,1850, dismissed June, 1854. 
He has since been pastor at Pittsfield and London, N. H., 
and is now a preacher at Nebraska. 

Daniel Needham, second son of Rev. Jacob Hood, is a 
professor at Rockford F'emale Seminary. George Henry is a 
well-known business man of Boston. The oldest daughter 
was the wife of Lieut. -Col. Henry Merritt, a native of Marble- 
head, where he was born June 4, 1819. He belonged to the 
23d Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, was killed at the 
battle of Newbern, N. C, March 14, 1862, and was brought 
home and interred in Harmony Grove, Salem. He was the 
father of Henry Merritt, of Salem. 

Mrs. George C. Bosson, of Reading, is one of his daughters, 
mother of Judge Bosson, and Albert D., a former mayor of 
Chelsea. An excellent likeness of Rev. Mr. Hood is placed in 
this work. Mrs. Bosson is the donor of the fine crayon like- 
nesses of Mr. and Mrs. Hood in the chapel of the Centre 
Church. 

Rev. and Mrs. Jacob Hood were married June i, 1820, by 
Rev. Joseph Mottey at this town. They left town and were 
gone about forty years, when they returned. The fiftieth anni- 
versary of their marriage was celebrated with a brilliant golden 
wedding, in June, 1870. 

At their sixtieth anniversary, in 1880, the following poems 
were received, besides other kind remembrances : — 



OK LYNNFIELD, MASS. 20$ 

J. H. — s. N. ir 

June i, i 820-1 880. 

" And what is so rare as a day in June?"' 

The poet's numbers flow; 
And so sung the birds to a lively tune, 
One morning the very first of June, 

Just sixty years ago. 

All nature caught the glad refrain 

And joined the merry chime; 
Flowers lent their sweetness to the strain, 
The tall grass waving on the plain 

Nodded in perfect time. 

» 
Oh ! what is so rare as this happy day ? 

They carolled forth in pride; 
For with light step, expectant, gay. 
The youthful bridegroom comes this way 

To claim his bonny bride. 

May all their days be as rare as this, 

Although never was one so rare, 
Their path so filled with flowers of bliss 
That no rude thorn or serpent's hiss 

Find place of lurking there. 

Oh, ne'er before in all earth's bowers 

Trilled sweeter, clearer lay 
Than that sung by birds and flowers, 
Through all the joyous, sunny hours. 

Of that rare summer day ! 

Full threescore years have passed since then, 

And yet with song as sweet 
They come to-day in joy again, 
From many a vale and wooded glen, 

This wedded pair to greet. 



206 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

They sing of buried hopes and fears, 

To music soft and low, 
Of love that is not dimmed by years. 
But bright and brighter still appears, 

As life's flame flickers low. 

They sing of lives well spent and true, 

Of deeds of duty done, 
Of hearts filled with the heavenly dew 
Of loving kindness, pity too 

For every erring one. 

Then in rich liquid notes and clear 

Of social joys they tell. 
Of many friends and children dear, 
Who now are met with song and cheer 

Love's duties to fulfil. 

Anon the tones increase in might. 

Then softly die away. 
Breathing a prayer for days still bright, 
Until death's hand unveils the light 
Of ever-perfect day. 

M. U. Nash. 
Lynnfield Centre. 



The following lines were written by a college classmate 

TO OLD FRIENDS. 

A rare thing in these days appears, 

A married life of threescore years. 

Much rarer such a one attended 

By all the pleasant things here blended. 

So with congratulations due, 

We come with words sincere and true. 

A pleasure 'tis indeed to see 

So little of infirmity. 

So much of health and healthfulness, 

And a full competence to bless 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 207 

With those whose pilgrimage is made 
So far into life's ninth decade. 
Yet the day brings (it must be true) 
Something of sadness with it too : 
The friends of sixty years ago, 
Few of them linger here below, 
And of the most who numerous meet 
To-day this honored pair to greet, 
The friendship certainly must date 
From years comparatively late. 
Happy, when early friends grow few. 
Are those who find both new and true, 
Whose love and sympathy assauge 
The sorrows of declining age. 

My knowledge of this honored man 

Some forty years ago began. 

He leadeth them in sacred song. 

Skilled teacher too, from whom a throng 

Acquired the power God's praise to sing 

(Not few on high now worshipping). 

Then to the pulpit from the choir 

He rose, if 'tis a station higher, 

And there successive years was heard, 

A faithful preacher of the word, 

Till, his days greatly multiplied. 

He deemed it wise to step aside. 

But not less to his Master true. 

Whether in pulpit or in pew, 

Still constant in the place of prayer. 

Contributing his full share; 

And teacher of a Bil)le class, 

In usefulness these late days pass. 

And, with his estimable wife, 

In intercourse of social life 

Shows how best things that can engage 

May cluster round extreme old age. 

I hope and trust that Lynnfield Centre 
Appreciates the blessings lent her. 



2o8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Few are the villages that could 

E'er boast of such a neighbor Hood. 

Though Music's daughters are brought low, 

No loud song from his lips can flow. 

His very presence here by grace 

Is benediction to the place, 

Calm waiting call to join that choir 

Whose strength ne'er fails and voices never tire. 

With respect, G. T. D. 

Reading, June i, iSSo. 

Dr. Thomas Keenan died Jan. 17, 1865, aged sixty-one 
years. Dr. Keenan was a native of Ireland, and for many 
years a successful surgeon in the English army. Having lost 
his health, he came to America. Thinking to pursue his for- 
mer vocation, he resolved to settle in the most healthy town 
in the State, and in looking over a report found the town of 
Lynnfield stood the highest on the list. About ten years be- 
fore his death he settled at the south part of Lynnfield, nearly 
opposite the shoe manufactory of Clarence Moulton. There 
he lived, though a great sufferer from heart disease, and proved 
himself to be one of the most, if not the most skilful physician 
in the vicinity. In religion he was an Episcopalian. He had 
an invalid daughter, to whom he was one of the kindest of 
fathers. His wife died about a year before himself. He had 
a son, Thomas, who enlisted in the war as private, and after- 
ward became lieutenant and captain. He was wounded in 
the neck. The wound afterwards burst open, causing his death. 
He had other children married and residing out of this town. 
The father, mother, and son are all buried in the South burial 
ground, the doctor being borne thither by twelve citizens of 
the town, at his own request. 

At the town meeting in March after his death the follow- 
ing resolutions were offered by Gen. Josiah Newhall, and 
unanimously adopted : — 






•■-'^^, 



O 




JOHN M. DANFORTH, ESQ. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 209 

" Death of Dr. Keenan. The citizens of Lynnfield, iiaving heard 
with much regret of the decease of one of their most valued citizens, 
Dr. Thomas Keenan, desire to express in a public manner their regard 
and respect for his memory at their annual town meeting; therefore, 

" Resolved, That in the decease of Dr. Keenan the people of Lynn- 
field have sustained a serious loss. Coming among us several years since 
from a foreign land, he had by his skilful practice as a physician and sur- 
geon gained the confidence and trust of his fellow-citizens, as also of the 
community at large. 

" Resolved, That we not only esteem his memory as a physician, but also 
his zeal for the welfare of his adopted country. 

"Resohed, also. That as a mark of respect to his memory these reso- 
lutions be recorded in the town records. 

" Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be sent to the 
family of the deceased." 

Sydney Yelverton, youngest daughter of the late Dr. 
Thomas Keenan, died at Boston, Feb. 2, 1868, aged twenty- 
eight years, of paralysis. 

Capt. Thomas Keenan died at Winchester, Mass., and was 
brought to Lynnfield and buried in the South burying ground 
with his parents. 

Among those of a past generation well known here in her 
youthful days, we recall the name of Mrs. Emily P. Lesdernier, 
whose sister's home was hers. She married, and became 
the mother of several children. Owing to adverse circum- 
stances, the duty and pleasure of maintaining her three children 
devolved upon herself, which was heroically done. She as- 
sumed her maiden name. She has written books in prose 
and poetry which have met with favor, and we copy from 
her " Voices of Life," issued in 1853, some lines from a poem 
entitled " My Island Home " : — 

" My Island Home, fond love for thee 
Still trails along my memory; 

The dim old notes resounding. 
While freighted argosies of thought 
The heart's rich pearls with the past inwrought, 



2IO HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

O'er the billowy swell are bounding. 
With the hum of years 

In the roll of time, 
My childhood's tears, 
My restless prime, 
And the plaintive knell 
Of the sad soul bell 
From the wreck all my hopes surrounding. 

"The wild waves kiss your rugged cliffs, — 
Cliffs of my native shore; 
The lashing tides against your breast 

Their wrathful surges pour; 
Your huge gray tops the dank mists crown 

When reign the fog king's band. 
And a foaming crest veils Neptune's frown 
As he roars along the strand; 
But the sunbeams creep 
And with victor sweep 
Falls the dispelling ray. 
And the shadowy hosts 
Like pallid ghosts 
Melt in an hour away. 

" Then smile the pretty bluebells 

O'er all the rifted slopes. 
Clinging with graceful sweetness, 

Types of innocent young hopes. 
And all around is beauty. 

And all above is light, 
While far down in the deep sea's cave 

Sings the pale water sprite ; 
As that pensive ' Ula-lula ' floats, 

The white gull stoops her wings 
And with a weird-like motion 

To the briny swell she swings; 
Poised like a thing enchanted. 

She rocks upon the wave 
As that pensive ' Ula-lula ' floats 

From out the deep sea's cave." 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 211 

Mrs. Lesdernier was a dramatic reader, and was warmly 
received in this role. She was a native of Eastport, Me. 

The Lynnfield Mansfields are descendants of Robert and 
Elizabeth Mansfield, who settled in Lynn about 1640, and 
were supposed to have come from Norfolk County, England. 
Among their children were Andrew, which has been a favorite 
name ever since. There is residing on the Andrew Mansfield 
place an Andrew Mansfield, born Aug. 26, 1883. The father 
of the same, with whom he resides, was born in the house on 
the opposite side of the street, where his father was born also 
of the name of Andrew, said house being built by the last An- 
drew's father, whose name was Andrew. The last-named Andrew 
was born in Peabody near the line of Peabody and Lynnfield. 
The Mansfield family have a silver mug which it is said has 
been the property of ten Andrew Mansfields. 

The family came to this region from Lynn about 1 730 ; 
and probably the old house near the line of the two towns, still 
inhabited by Mansfields, is about that age. The house near 
Law's shoe factory was one of the former Mansfield houses, 
and the old Ramsdell house, that was torn down last year to 
give place for a new one, was a Mansfield house, as also was 
the house at the corner near Lakefield Park. 

Another name that never seems to wear out is Daniel. 
Two of this name were deacons of the church here. The 
first lived during the Revolutionary War, and took an active 
and patriotic part in the proceedings. He was a man so well 
liked that many of his friends named their sons for him. 
One of these namesakes was Rev. Daniel Mansfield, son of 
his cousin Andrew, born at Lynnfield, Aug. 24, 1807. He 
is further noticed among the collegiates of Lynnfield. His 
son, Ezra Abbott, died at Hyde Park. 

Andrew Mansfield, a brother of Rev. Daniel, filled many 
offices of trust in this town. He died Dec. 17, 1869, aged 
sixty-eight years three months. His sons, Andrew and Albert, 



212 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

have followed in the same good old way, and the former is 
at the present time one of the selectmen of this town. 

William Mansfield lived in the house at the corner of Summer 
and Walnut Streets, had a very large family, among them Dr. 
Joseph, Dea. Edward, Schoolmaster Elbritlge, since of Wake- 
field. 

Gen. Lemuel R. Draper, of Hopedale, married a sister of 
Daniel Mansfield, who was born in this town and is still living, 
her name Lydia. Esther W. Mansfield and Judge Stephen 
Oilman were married Aug. 7, 1881. 

What was said of the Adams family of Quincy may be said 
of the Mansfield family of Lynnfield : "They were distin- 
guished for piety, humility, simplicity, prudence, patience, 
temperance, frugality, industry, and perseverance." 

Of Rev. Mr. Mottey one of his parishioners writes in a 
newspaper article : — 

" I now propose to say something about a man whom 
I had in mind in placing the headlines to this article, but 
I fear I shall be unable to do anything like justice in 
attempting to portray the character of so distinguished an 
individual as the late Rev. Joseph Mottey. He was a very 
distinguished man in many ways, and his personal appear- 
ance] would be sure to attract attention in a crowd of 
strangers. He had a rather swarthy complexion, and, as I 
recollect him, was of somewhat more than medium height, 
with a compact, symmetrical frame, and an abdominal protu- 
berance which might call to mind the description of Shake- 
speare's Justice : — 

' In fair round belly with good capon lined.' 

His natural step was rather slow, with an erect posture, or 
rather more than erect, for he seemed to lean a little back- 
ward as he walked. This gave him a somewhat majestic ap- 
pearance, and also important, though there appeared to be 



OF LYNNFIKI.D, MASS. 213 

nothing of pride or haughtiness in his character. He was 
distinguished for punctuality in all his appointments. In this 
connection I recollect hearing one aged man, Mr. Elias Rich- 
ardson by name, make the remark that ' when Mr. Mottey 
died, all order died with him.' This remark was elicited by 
a want of punctuality in those engaged to supply the place 
of Mr, Mottey, after his decease. So exact was he in his visits 
to the sick, that sick people knew what day to expect him, as. 
also what hour of the day, and would be prepared to receive 
him accordingly. He was a man of very tender, sympa- 
thetic, and withal of very sensitive tendencies, and was quick 
to ' show fire ' when occasion called for it. Here is a case 
in point. One day while going to visit a sick person he had 
occasion to pass by the house of a man who kept four dogs, 
but who thought he was too poor to keep a pig. These four 
dogs came rushing from the house, howling like a pack of 
wolves, with the apparent intention of devouring the aged 
man. He managed to keep them off with his cane till the 
owner came and called them off, when Mr. Mottey stepped 
up to him, took him by his coat collar and gave him what 
one of your contributors calls ' a regular Scotch blessing,' 
advising him, among other things, to take some other way 
to raise his pork than to keep four dogs. What effect the 
use of a carnal weapon, together with some salutary advice, 
had upon the dog owner, I cannot say, but after that when 
dogs were heard to bark near his house, some wag would say, 
'There is the poor man's pork.' Underlying the more seri- 
ous and contemplative character of Mr. Mottey there was a 
vein of humor or wit, which would occasionally come to the 
surface, and made a harmless, yet effective argument with an 
opponent. The following incident, as related by hitnself 
will explain what is here meant. A young couple, who 
were about to be married, made an evening call upon 
him with the evident intention of trying to convince him of 



214 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

what they conceived to be an error on some doctrinal point. 
They commenced an argument, and then the young man, 
more readily to bring the matter to a close, took Mr. Mottey's 
Bible, opened it to a passage in one of St. Paul's epistles, 
which he thought was a ' sure clincher ' for his side of the 
case, and offering it to Mr. Mottey, said, ' Here, read what 
St. Paul says about it.' Mr. Mottey, instead of taking the 
book, simply remarked, ' Oh, I have read many times over 
all that St. Paul has said about it, and St. Paul also says it is 
good for a man not to touch a woman.' The happy pair gave 
a downcast look long enough to take their natural blush, 
dropped the subject of polemic theology for that evening at 
least, and spent the remainder of the evening talking on other 
subjects. But Paul or no Paul, this did not prevent their 
coming to him shortly afterward to have the nuptial ceremony 
performed, and since that time they have reared a large and 
worthy family of sons and daughters, who are engaged in va- 
rious pursuits in different parts of the country. The parent 
pair came to Lynnfield, the native place of one of them, and 
spent the closing years of their long and useful lives. 

" Another small affair, but one in which he was greatly in- 
terested for a time, goes to show how easily his thin-skinned 
sensitiveness was affected. There stood near his house, at 
one time, two or three of those once fashionable and orna- 
mental trees known as Lombardy poplars. The limbs of one 
of these trees came within a few feet of his study, where he 
wrote his sermons. On one of these limbs, so near his win- 
dow, a pair of robins, after examining carefully the different 
places, decided to build their nest. He noticed all the move- 
ments of these birds while the nest was being built, from the 
placing of the first straws to its final completion, and then, to 
give his own words, ' the birds were married.' The daily 
blue-shelled deposits, by the mother bird, he also noticed. 
All the movements during incubation and the rearing of the 



OF LYNNFIEI.D, MASS. 215 

young brood till they were full fledged and ready to leave 
their nest were noticed and described with great particularity. 
In fact, he was, in a measure, obliged to notice them, as they 
could not go to or from the nest without drawing his attention. 
In the sequel to this bird story there was an exciting episode, 
for as soon as the fledglings left their nest the ' necessary 
cat,' watching her opportunity, ' gobbled ' up one of them, 
and went trotting into the house with it. Quick as a flash the 
aged minister, with his uphfted cane, went for the cat, but 
he did not let ' the sun go down on his wrath,' nor the cane 
on his cat, for after a few moments' reflection he concluded 
that robins were made for cats as well as cats for robins, or 
rather to prey upon them, and it was only the execution of 
one of nature's laws, and so his wrath subsided. 

" He was much in the habit of walking wherever his duties 
called when the distance was not more than two or three miles. 
On one occasion, when he had agreed to exchange pulpits with 
the late Rev. Reuben Emerson, as Mr. Mottey had no horse, 
Mr. Emerson proposed going to Lynnfield in season for Mr. 
Mottey to take his horse and carriage and return with them 
to Lynnfield after the services were closed, and so avoid the 
journey on foot for either of them ; but ' No,' said Mr. Mottey, 
' St. Paul says " that every man shall bear his own burdens." ' 
' Yes,' replied Mr. Emerson, ' and St. Paul also says, " bear ye 
one another's burdens." ' * Ah, I thought you would say that,' 
said Mr. Mottey, ' but I choose to walk.' 

" It would seem that his religious views were in some respects 
modified after preaching some twenty years or more ; no- 
ticing this, one of his parishioners, in conversation with him, 
remarked, ' I don't think you preach just the kind of doctrine 
that you did when you first came here.' ' Well,' replied the 
venerable man, ' I have been studying and reading and preach- 
ing for thirty years, and if I had made no progress in knowl- 
edge in all that time, I should have been a very dull scholar ; 



2l6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

and if I should study and preach for thirty years more and 
make no advancement in knowledge, I should still remain a 
very dull scholar.' But that he was a scholar, and a ripe and 
good one too, and one eminent in his profession, is evinced by 
the fact that the Faculty of Harvard College were about to 
confer on him the honorary D. D., and would have done so had 
he not died a few weeks previous to the usual time for bestow- 
ing such honors, and Harvard is not in the way of conferring 
them where they are not merited. 

"Mr.Mottey's style of writing was plain, terse, comprehensive, 
and well adapted to the understanding of those who listened 
to him. This opinion of his style of writing is formed by 
reading the only published discourse of all of his writings for 
more than forty years, with the exception of a part he took in 
the ordination of a minister in a neighboring town. The dis- 
course referred to was on the occasion of the establishment 
of peace with England in the year 1815, a time of great re- 
joicing, as all who remember it can testify. His manner of 
preaching was earnest, entreating, persuasive, pathetic, and at 
times very affecting, especially when dwelling on themes having 
a tendency to excite the emotions of his audience, such as the 
Saviour's passion in particular, and others of a kindred nature. 
His intense sympathy was such that more than once I have 
seen him so affected by the subject he was dwelling upon as 
to be almost unable to proceed with his discourse. His voice 
would tremble and he would speak in a sort of half-crying tone 
and be for some minutes unable to recover his usual manner 
of speaking. He made no attempt at gesticulation or high- 
flown oratory. 



" His sermons were for the most part lengthy, sometimes 
lasting more than an hour, tiring the patience of the children 
who would be gathered in that old church with no stove, 




GEORGE E. HERRICK. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 217 

fireplace, or any means of warming except the old-fashioned 
foot stove with a few coals in it, which some of the women 
would carry with them to keep their feet from freezing on 
cold winter days when the mercury would stand at zero or 
below, and ' no postponement on account of the weather ' in 
those days. I remember on a very cold day, after listening to 
one of his long-drawn-out sermons, a young miss of twelve 
years, being too young to appreciate the wholesome lessons 
from the pulpit and impatient for the end of the long sermon, 
when it came with the words, ' Let us pray,' came near * speak- 
ing right out in meeting,' and saying in a loud whisper, 'I 
should think 'twas time.' 

" A peculiar trait of his character was that he was a monoga- 
mist, and held to being but once married, and in this, as in 
other matters, his faith and works coincided ; for having been 
married once and having had five children, surviving them 
all save one, and surviving also his wife, reputed to have 
been a very worthy, lovely, and much respected woman, he 
spent the remainder of his life, some twenty-five or thirty years, 
I think, in the unmarried state. 



" In matters of economy he set a good example. With a 
salary of $300 and a family which must at times have been 
expensive, he could not well live otherwise than prudently, 
though it should be remembered that money in his day had 
a greater purchasing power than at present. He was heard 
to say that by not keeping a horse he had saved enough in 
the course of nineteen years to build his house, which is now 
owned and occupied by Judge Nash. 

" Mr. Mottey, after a long pastorate of nearly forty-one years, 
a term equal to more than two thirds the sum total of the 
terms of all who since have followed him in the ministry, ten 
in number, died on the ninth day of July, 1821. Of the 



2l8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

fourteen who ha\e been ordained in Lynnfield, lie was 
the only one who died while engaged in the ministry 
there, with the exception of Mr. Adams, his immediate 
predecessor. 

"He seemed to be sensible that his end was near, and said 
that if it was God's will, it was his that it should be his last 
sickness, and gave some special directions with regard to his 
burial. He did not choose those of his own cloth for bearers, 
according to the more modern custom, but requested that 
four indigent men should be the bearers of his lifeless body 
to its final resting place, which was but a few rods from his 
house, and that they should be paid an adequate sum for 
their services, I think it was a dollar for each of them. 
Another direction which he gave was a most grievous dis- 
appointment to his daughter and many others : it was that 
all his sermons, more than three thousand in number, which 
had been preserved up to that time, should be burned. His 
daughter and only surviving child, the late Mrs. Henry Ban- 
croft, was very anxious to save a few of them as keepsakes 
and for her own perusal ; but no, filial duty prevailed over 
all other considerations, and they were all committed to the 
flames. 

''What were Mr. Mottey's motives in thus disposing of his 
work of nearly a lifetime can only be left to conjecture. 
We may infer, however, that he did not mean to have his 
writings hawked about and criticised, and perhaps garbled 
and distorted, for the benefit or gratification of religious dis- 
putants. So anxious was Mrs. Bancroft to obtain a single 
item of all her father's writings, that learning I had a copy of 
the discourse referred to in this article, she came to me nearly 
forty years after her father died to borrow it. 

" Much more might be written and other anecdotes related 
about this man, but I must bring this already too lengthy 
article to a close by summarily saying of Mr. Mottey that he 



OF I.YNNFIKLD, MASS. 219 

was a kind husband, an affectionate parent, a faithful friend, 
a social companion, a good man, and a true Christian minister. 

' And in a word, far, far behind his worth 
Come all the praises that I now bestow, 
He was complete in feature and in mind, 
With all good grace to grace a gentleman.' " 

HuMFREY Lake. 

Judge Stephen Gordon Nash, a prominent lawyer of Bos- 
ton, judge of the Superior Court of Massachusetts from 1855 
to 1859, was born at New Hampton, N. H., April 4, 1822 ; 
son of John and Abigail Ladd (Gordon) Nash. He fitted 
for college at the literary institution in his native place. He 
entered Dartmouth College in Hanover at the age of sixteen, 
graduating in the largest class that ever left the institution, that 
of 1842. After leaving college he was professor of ancient 
classics at New Hampton one year, commencing in 1843. 
He was principal of Noyes Academy one year in Franklin, 
N. H., 1845 and 1846 ; he read law with Judge George 
W. Nesmith, — in the latter year was admitted to the bar in 
Boston. In 1855 he was a candidate for speaker of the 
House of Representatives, having been elected to that house 
as a representative from Boston. Being thirty-three years'of 
age, the same year, he was appointed justice of Suffolk Supe- 
rior Court, where he remained four years, and where he was 
regarded as talented, just, and of a superior mind. When 
the Superior Court and that of Common Pleas were merged 
together, he retired from the bench to attend to his large and 
increasing practice. 

He made a trip to Europe in 1859, and on his return was 
married at Wakefield to Miss Mary, daughter of Edward and 
Betsy Upton of that place, Feb. 21, 1861. Two sons were 
born to them, named Arthur Upton and Gordon, both of 
whom died before their father. In 1872 he purchased the 



2 20 HISTORY DF THE TOWN 

fine homestead in Lynnfield, where his widow still lives. 
He and his wife made another visit to Europe in 1883. 
While on the journey he wrote the following poem, which was 
read at his funeral : — 

" Sailing northward, sailing northward, 
Towards the realm of cold, 
Gives to me a chill sensation 
As of growing old. 

"Sailing northward, veering northward, 
On this restless sea, 
Winds grow cooler, billows colder, 
Ice is on our lea. 

" Sailing northward, veering northward, 
On the sea of life, 
Hearts grow chilly, love is colder, 
With the toil and strife. 

" Sailing northward, veering northward, 
Glory dims its fires, 
Riches lose their charm and splendor, 
' Glowing hope expires.' 

" But as we sail northward, northward, 
Suns increase their sway, 
Till the crimson flush of evening 
Meets the dawn of day. 

"So as we veer northward, northward, 
May life's sunset ray 
Mix its last beams with the sunburst 
Of the eternal day. 

"Yes, as veering northward, northward, 
Eve and morning kiss. 
So may death be but a brightening 
To a dawn of l)liss." 

Judge Nash and his gifted wife enjoyed his colonial home 
in this place. He had one of the largest private libraries in 



I 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 22 1 

the country, and presented seventy-two hundred books to the 
literary institution of his native town, with a fund for the ad- 
dition of books, and to build a fireproof library building, 
which will be a fitting tribute to his worth, and a monument 
of his love for his native town. 

Judge Nash died at his home at Lynnfield Centre, where he 
had lived twenty- two years, in 1S94, after an illness of only 
five days, of pneumonia, aged seventy- two years. He was 
buried at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield. 

The families of Newhalls are the most numerous in this 
vicinity of any name, viz., Lynn, Lynnfield, Saugus, and Pea- 
body. The first was Thomas Newhall, one of the first settlers 
of Lynn. His grandson, Joseph, settled at the south part of 
Lynn, and was born Sept. 22, 1658. He married Susanna 
Farrar, 1678. They were the parents of eleven children : 
Jemima, b. Dec. 31, 1678 ; Thomas, b. Jan. 6, 1681 ; Joseph, 
b. Feb. 6, 1684 ; Elisha, b. Nov. 20, 1686 ; Ephraim, b. Feb. 
20, 1689 ; Daniel, b. Feb. 5, 1691 ; Ebenezer, b. June 3, 1693 ; 
Susanna, b. Dec. 19, 1695; Benjamin, b. April 5, 1698; 
Samuel, b. March 9, 1700; Sarah, b. July 11, 1704. It is 
said that this was the Joseph Newhall who perished in a 
snowstorm. 

We will now mention a few brilliant names of this worthy 
pedigree, which fill every walk of life, who have lived in this 
town. 

Asa Tarbell Newhall, born June 28, 1779, and died Dec. 
iS, 1850, who was a son of Asa, born Aug. 5, 1732, who was 
son of Thomas, born Jan. 6, i68i,whowas a son of the Joseph 
mentioned above, was known as Squire Newhall, a man of 
great enterprise and one often quoted at the present time. 
He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1820, 
was a senator in 1826, and a representative in 1828. His 
wife was Judith Little of Newbury, Mass. He had a family 
of children, among them, James Newhall, M. D., of Lynn, 



2 22 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

and his brother, Thomas B. Newhall of the same city. He 
died at Lynn, leaving a son, James S. Newhall of Lynn, and 
a daughter. 

Gen. Josiah Newhall was born in 1794. At the last meeting 
of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society held in Boston, 
the following resolutions, prepared by Francis H. Appleton, 
Esq., of Peabody, were unanimously adopted : — 

" Resolved, That in preparing a last token of respect to the memory of 
Gen. Josiah Newhall, who died at Lynnfield at the advanced age of 
nearly eighty-six years, Dec. 26, 1879, and offering expressions of the loss 
this society sustains in being deprived of his usefulness, his example, and 
his genial companionship, we must also recall his earlier days and hearty 
efforts when a firm foundation was being laid for this now prosperous 
society. Gen. Newhall was from its first enthusiastically and actively 
interested in all that pertained to its foundation, prosperity, and exhibitions. 
In horticulture and agriculture he was ambitious to originate and im- 
prove various kinds of fruit, and was always an earnest worker in every- 
thing relating to the cultivation of the soil. He was chairman of the 
school committee twenty-two years, and was the first representative from 
his town; he served in the War of 181 2, and subsequently in the State 
militia under President Jackson; he held office in Boston custom house. 
He was much interested in astronomy, and kept a very accurate record of 
the weather and rainfall. He was most highly esteemed and respected 
by all who knew him, and in his death we lose a member whose heart was 
deeply in the work for which this society was formed, and one whose 
actions were always directed towards its welfare. We shall remember him 
for his love of honor and integrity, and his interest in all that was for the 
good of the community and this society in particular." 

Gen. Newhall married Miss Rachel Bancroft, and they 
had a large family of children, but two of whom survived 
him. He was buried in Willow Cemetery, which was once a 
part of his farm. A tasty monument marks the place of his 
rest. His farm has passed into the hands of entire strangers, 
his wife having died before him. During his long connection 
with the public schools he was greatly interested in them, 
and to the pupils of those times his reports are reminders 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS, 223 

of the epoch in which they were written. A portrait of him 
is found in this book. 

The Newhalls owned a large tract of land formerly a part 
of Mr. John Humphrey's grant, which was purchased by 
Joseph Newhall of Ezekiel and Sarah Needham in 1679, and 
ever since they have been large landholders in this place. 

The South school district used to be called "Newhall 
ward," and the South burying ground " Newhall burying 
ground," no doubt because of the great number of that name 
who occupied them. They seemed to have considerable 
military taste or else were very patriotic, as we find general, 
lieutenant, ensign, captain, colonel, etc., as titles. 

Hon. Asa Tarbell Newhall is a grandson of Hon. Asa T. 
Newhall, born in 1779. He was born Dec, 25, 1850, in 
Lynnfield. Both he and his grandfather were interested in 
the Essex Agricultural Society, and both have given addresses 
before it. He is an ex-mayor of Lynn, and for his fidelity at 
the great fire a few years ago was re-elected. 

History informs us that Joseph Newhall was buried at Lynn, 
where he went to worship, and that there his gravestone may 
be seen. It is also said that each of his eleven children sur- 
vived him. 

Daniel Newhall was a son of Joseph, and history also informs 
us that his wife was a daughter of Allen Breed. She died 
suddenly Jan. i, 1775, aged eighty-six, leaving eleven children, 
sixty-six grandchildren, and thirty-two great-grandchildren. 

Frank Newhall is one of Lynnfield's highly esteemed 
selectmen. 

The Newhalls were, like other noble old families we could 
mention, eminently patriotic. 

Daniel Needham, Esq., was a native of Danvers, now Pea- 
body, and born in a house still standing. His wife Ede, 
daughter of Samuel and Ede (Upton) Flint, was born in the 
same town, and they were married 1783. Her father was 



2 24 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

killed at the head of his company at Stillwater, Oct. 7, 1777. 
Mr, Needham was also, as his tombstone informs us, a soldier 
of the Revolution. He and his wife and one child removed to 
Lynnfield and settled in the north part, on what was then the 
Townsend farm of about two hundred acres. He had an only 
son, whose name was David, born Feb. 8, 1794 ; married So- 
phia F. Clark; and died March 29, 1827, from a dreadful 
wound inflicted by an insane man while at work chopping 
wood near his home, the axe entering the lower part of the 
shoulder blade and ending the life of great promise and ac- 
tivity. One daughter of his is still living, Mrs. Caroline 
A., wife of Mr. Jerome Tyler, at Boston Highlands. A 
daughter of Mr. Daniel Needham married Rev. Isaac Willey 
of Pembroke, N. H., a Congregational clergyman. May 18, 
1826, whose name was Sally; while Sophia, another daughter, 
married the Rev. Jacob Hood, June i, 1820. 

Mr. Needham's wife died of a fall, April 27, 1840. Among 
other attributes it is recorded of her that she was a "very en- 
ergetic woman, salt of the earth" ; and he died Feb. 16, 1844. 
They both sleep in Main Street Cemetery. 

The Perkins family have for generation after generation been 
one of the most prominent in town almost from its early settle- 
ment, and the farm bearing that name is one of the few that have 
been held by the same family for more than two hundred 
years. John seems to be a favorite name. Dr. John Perkins, 
born March 9, 1698, deserves more than a passing notice. 
He was an excellent scholar and doctor of physic. He 
practised at Topsfield, Mass. (where probably the name came 
from), then at York, Me., and returned to Lynnfield in 
1720. In 1728 he removed to Boston, and in 1732 went to 
London. He returned to Boston, and practised his chosen 
profession for forty years, till the commencement of the war 
of the Revolution, when he again came to his native town, 
where he died and was buried, Jan. 23, 1781. He published 



OV I.YNNFIELD, MASS. 225 

a tract on " The Causes of Earthquakes," and left several 
very interesting manuscripts ; one of them is preserved by 
the Antiquarian Society at Worcester. 

Beside Dr. John Perkins, John Perkins was chosen deacon 
of the First Church in 1796. His son John became deacon in 
1839. His son John, whose portrait is here given, was select- 
man, assessor, overseer, town clerk, representative, and many 
other offices were filled by him, and he died, as most of his 
kindred, at a good old age in 1893. His son, John H., inherits 
the paternal home, where still dwells his mother ; while his 
son, John Winslow, lives upon a part of the original homestead 
with his little son, John Perkins, born Sept. 18, 1893. 

Annie Perkins lived on this estate two hundred years ago, 
and Annie Perkins (wife of J. W. Perkins) lives there now. 
The last named is a poetess, and several pieces in this history 
are her contributions to the age. She has published a book 
of poems entitled "Thoughts of Peace." 

The wife of the first minister of Lynnfield, Rev. Nathanie 
Sparhawk, was Elizabeth, a sister of Dr. John Perkins. 
She was born and died here. 

Rev. John Payson of Fitchburg, and Miss Anna Perkins 
of Lynnfield, were married Nov. 8, 1772. 

Adelia J. Perkins and Benjamin F. Clough, M. D., of 
Worcester, were married Aug. 15, 187 1. 

The first Ebenezer Parsons came from Leicester. He was 
descended from Rev. David Parsons, born at Northampton, 
Mass., 1679 ; ordained at Maiden, ^700; dismissedMay, 1721 ; 
installed at Leicester, Sept. 12, 1721 ; and died there 1735. 
He had a son Israel. 

Ebenezer Parsons, s )n of Israel, was born at Leicester, came 
to Lynnfield, married Nabby Smith. They had a daughter, 
Nabby, who married Jacob Wiley of this place, and two sons, 
Ebenezer and Israel Augustus ; the former married Mary Hart, 
and they were the parents of Ebenezer Parsons, now the town 



2 26 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

clerk of Lynnfield ; he has been selectman and member of the 
school committee, also he conducted the services of the First 
Congregational Society (Unitarian) for over twenty years. 

Israel Augustus married Emily Wiley of Lynnfield, and had 
seven children. David Frederic lives on the old place ; his 
wife was Julia Svvinerton of Danvers. The rest are gone from 
town. 

Ebenezer lives on the farm where he and his father were 
born. He was born July 28, 1832. He married March 24, 
1863, Mary Alvina Dodge, a relative of Hon. Nathan Dane, 
who gave Dane Hall to Harvard College, and who was a distin- 
guished jurist. Mrs. Parsons has been a contributor to several 
first-class periodicals, among them the Atlantic Monthly, New 
York Independent, St. Nicholas, Wide Awake, etc. 

They have one son, Starr Parsons, a successful lawyer of 
Lynn. 

" John Pearson, son of John and Maudlin, born 1650, married 
Tabitha, daughter of Dea. Thomas Kendall. Their children 
were : Tabitha, born about 1670, married 1696 to John Good- 
win ; James, born 1678, married 1698 to Hepsibah Swain ; 
John, born and died 1682 ; John, born 1684, and married Eliz- 
abeth Batchelder ; Rebecca, born 1686 ; Kendall, born 1688 ; 
Susan, born 1690, married 17 10 to Daniel Gould; Mary, born 
1692, married to Joseph Eaton, 1709. The first John was one 
of the first seven members of the church of Reading 
(1644), but afterward moved to Lynnfield, where he died 
1679, aged 64, and his widow. Maudlin, 1690. They had 
another James, born 1652." * 

No less than five of the members mentioned in the first 
Hst of the church bore the name of Pearson ; to wit, Eben- 
ezer, Jonathan, Hepsibel, Hannah, and Tabitha. We are 
pleased to add that the descendants of the above are still with 
us, residents on Chestnut Street. 

* History of Reading. 






" f 



'■'5^ 




GEOEGE H. S. DRIVER 



Ol'" LYNNFIELD, MASS. 22? 

William R. Roundy, born in Lempster, N. H., Aug. 5, 
1825, came to Lynnfield when about twenty-one years of age ; 
married for first wife, Miss Mary A. Richardson, for second, 
Miss L. Rebecca Wellman, both of this town. In 1873-74 
he represented the town in the Legislature ; was elected 
deacon of the Centre Church, 1887 ; is the father of 
the Roundy Brothers, William E. and George M. ; has been 
sexton almost fifty years, was town treasurer fourteen years, 
and is a man who has a host of friends. 

The Russells came from Peabody, then Danvers, more 
than a century ago. Mrs. Mercy (Russell) Swinerton died 
1863, aged ninety- two years. She kept her brother's house, 
Mr. Helon Russell's, and he died a few weeks before her. In 
their fireplace stood two firedogs made by their grandfather 
Wright, of Middleton, more than a hundred years before, he 
being a blacksmith, and there was a pair of small tongs with 
them to light a pipe with. 

He had a large family of children, among them Enoch 
Russell, who was representative to the Legislature and select- 
man ; his son, Seth H., was also selectman at a later period. 
A brother of the latter was the father of triplets in 1874 
(March 5), a girl and two boys. Levi S. Russell, youngest 
son of Orin Russell, was a lieutenant in the army, and is still 
living at the West. 

Levi H. Russell built the store now owned by his son, 
Francis P. Russell, and was a very energetic, public-spirited 
man. He was born in Middleton, and died in Lynnfield 
Centre. His son, Francis, has been selectman, assessor, over- 
seer of the poor, town clerk, school committee, etc. Wilbur 
S., another son, is cashier of a bank in Boston. 

Joseph Skinner, the husband of two wives, came from the 
patriotic town of Acton, Mass., in the latter part of the last 
century. His posterity of the second generation was very 
numerous. One of the race reports as follows : Samuel, 



2 28 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

twelve ; William, fourteen ; Betsey, nine ; Marshall, three ; 
Jesse, sixteen ; and a paragraph taken from a genealogical 
sketch of the descendants of Thomas Green of Maiden, 
Mass., reads thus : " Sarah, daughter of Joseph Skinner, mar- 
ried Capt. Josiah Green of Stoneham." He then, at the age 
of sixty-four, married for a second wife, Aug. 23, 1799, Sarah 
Skinner, a woman twenty- two years of age, and forty-two years 
younger than himself. When he married her he told her that 
his first wife had borne him eight children, and that he should 
expect her to do the same. She fully met his expectations, 
was afterward married and had three children more, so that 
Joseph Skinner was grandfather to more than threescore 
persons. 

Among the grandchildren of Joseph Skinner are the follow- 
ing : John Day, Herbert A., Joseph, and Charles E. — have all 
been railroad men, three of them have been conductors. 
Eliza A. married Abram Reynolds, and after, Richard H. 
Goodwin ; and Susan J. is the wife of Abner Towie of Lynn, 
where she still lives. These all belong to the family of Mr. 
Jesse Skinner. Capt. Samuel Skinner was a son also of Joseph 
Skinner, had a daughter, Mary J., who was the wife of William 
A. Whittredge of this town ; Eliza, who married Josiah 
Mudge of Danvers ; Charlotte, who is the wife of Edward 
Farrington of Lynn ; and the sons are dead. Capt. William 
Skinner had a daughter, Sarah S., who married George F. 
Blake. She was killed on the railroad in 1856; and he mar- 
ried her sister, Martha Jane. They reside on Commonwealth 
Avenue, Boston ; he was a successful inventor. Another is Otis, 
a son of Capt. William, who owns a farm of extended acres in 
the east part of the town. Although the families have been very 
large, still very many members thereof have passed to the 
bourne from whence no traveller returns, and the most of 
them have left their native town. Wakefield is the home 
of some of them, and they are, like other famiUes, scattered. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 229 

Capt. Samuel Skinner was, for a generation, the undertaker 
or sexton of Lynnfield, and laid many of its sons and daugh- 
ters to rest. 

Asa Goodell Sheldon, who was born in Lynnfield, Oct. 24, 
1788, wrote his autobiography. At that time he had moved 
to Wilmington, Mass., and in his book he styles himself " the 
Wilmington farmer." He was a son of Jeremiah Sheldon, 
who was a son of Skelton Sheldon, who was a son of Godfrey 
Sheldon, a clerk in Congress, when it met in Philadelphia. 
His mother was a descendant of Gen. Putnam, of Revolution- 
ary memory. The Sheldon home was at the north part of the 
town. Asa G. Sheldon died at Wilmington. His wife was 
Clarissa Eames, and they have children and grandchildren 
living there. 

John Smith came from England (the precise date cannot 
be ascertained) and settled in the eastern part of Massachu- 
setts, now the State of Maine. It was in a region greatly 
troubled by Indians, and they committed so many depreda- 
tions upon him that he resolved to betake himself and family 
to a less perilous neighborhood. Making his preparations 
quietly, he started in the night, and journeyed towards Salem, 
settling at length in Danvers, where he had two sons born, 
Amos and Walter. Walter was born in 17 18, and Amos in 
1724. Later the family removed to what was then Lynn, but 
is now the northeasterly part of Lynnfield. In those days 
there were few public roads. They travelled through woods 
and " clearings," mostly on horseback, by paths called bridle- 
ways. 

Amos Smith married Abigail Hart. After the public highway 
leading from Reading to Salem was laid out, he built a house 
thereon, which he opened as an inn. 

Taverns, as they were then called, were much needed on 
account of the slow and laborious travelling of the time, 
most of the teaming being done with oxen. It was said that 



230 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

he sometimes put up as many as fifty oxen at a time. Jonathan 
(son of Amos) had a son Jonathan H., the father of Henry E. 
Smith, who married Mary L. Bassett, and Uves on the old farm 
his great-grandfather cleared and cultivated. There is a new 
house on the site of the old one, and near by, in a spot " beau- 
tiful for situation," is a f;xmous cold spring, from which, as has 
been estimated, there is an average flow of sixty gallons a 
minute. 

Rev. Nathaniel Sparhawk, son of same name, was born at 
Cambridge, Mass., 1694; graduated at Harvard College, 1715. 
He was ordained first pastor of the First Church, Lynnfield, 
Aug. 17, 1720, his salary being seventy pounds. He resigned 
after a pastorate of eleven years, July i, 1731 ; died May 7, 
and was buried in the old burying ground. He married 
1732, Elizabeth Perkins of this town, who died in 1768. 

Their children were Elizabeth, born Dec. 28, 1721 ; Nathan- 
iel born Sept. 24, 1725, and died Dec. 11, 1728. 

His son, Edward Perkins Sparhawk, A. M., is said to be the 
first person born in Lynn who had two names given him. 
He was born July 10, 1728; graduated at Harvard College, 
1753; married Mehitabel Putnam, 1759, who died Sept. 8, 
1778 ; he died March 8, 1796, aged 66 years. He had calls 
to settle in several paiishes, but accepted none, and the town 
records speak of him as Edward P. Sparhawk, A. M. Rev. 
Nathaniel Sparhawk resigned his pastorate, July, 1731, after 
eleven years' service, and died May 7, 1732. His remains 
repose in the old graveyard near the Centre, and the original 
tombstone is still plainly seen after nearly one hundred and 
sixty years of storms and sunshine have fallen upon it. 

Tradition says that previous to his death he buried a pot 
of silver money so that it might never trouble any one, and 
that it was sought for many times, but never found. 

An item of interest may be mentioned here. A sister of 
the Rev. Mr. Sparhawk, Sybil, daughter of Rev. Mr. Sparhawk 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 23 1 

of Cambridge, was the third wife of Michael Wigglesworth of 
Maiden, who was the author of "The Day of Doom." They 
had one child, Edward, who was probably named for one of 
his relatives in this place. We give a few lines from the 
author, for the pleasure of those who have never seen the 
poem : — 

" Light in darkness, sick man's health, 
Strength in weakness, poor man's wealth, 

In confinement liberty, 

In solitude good company, 
Joy in sorrow, life in deaths, 
Heavenly crowns for thorny wreaths, 
Are presented to thy view 
In the poems that ensue. 
If my trials had been thine, 
They would cheer thee more than wine." 

The family of Townsend, all of whom have passed from 
here, where they lived more than a century, deserves an honor- 
able mention in the history of the town. The farm of about 
two hundred acres, containing field, wood, meadow, hill, lake, 
brook, huge stone, etc., was at the northwest part of the 
town, was a small fortune in itself, and was sold to Daniel 
Needham about ninety-five years ago. Dea. Daniel 
Townsend was a man highly prized in this place as well as 
in the church. He afterward removed to Vermont. His son 
Daniel was born at the farm now known as the Needham 
place, and an extended account is given of him in another 
part of this work. At the present time the Townsends are 
all residents of other towns, but many of them make pilgrim- 
ages to the graves of their ancestors, and feel great interest 
especially in that of Lynnfield's Revolutionary martyr, whose 
resting place is decorated every year. 

The original Upton place was in West Peabody, not a great 
way from Lynnfield line, and the descendants of this family 
have settled in Lynnfield. It is said that " the tradition that 



232 HISTORY^OF THE TOWN 

John Upton, the ])rogenitor of the Upton family in America, 
came from Scotland, lingers in several branches of the family, 
particularly in the oldest branch, that of Lynnfield." 

John, son of John and Sally Pool Upton, born at Lynnfield, 
Aug. 4, 1779, married Betsey Wiley of South Reading, now 
Wakefield, Feb. 20, 1805. She died March, 1819; and he 
married Sarah Wetherspoon of Londonderry, N. H., one of the 
descendants of the Scotch Irish colony which settled there 
in 1 7 19, who came from Londonderry, Ireland, and previously 
from Londonderry, Scotland. On the town records he is 
styled ensign and then captain. He was a representative from 
Lynnfield, at one time its town clerk, holding many other 
ofiices in the town's gift. His father, having had two wives, 
died at the homestead where he had lived so long, a Revolu- 
tionary soldier. After his father's death he sold his property 
in Lynnfield and moved to Derry, N. H., where he died April 
4, 1853, aged seventy-three, and was brought back here and 
buried, leaving a large family, all of whom were born in Lynn- 
field. They were, Sally P., Laura W., John, Elizabeth, Ann, 
George Edwin, Henry Bingham. John, son of John and 
Betsey (Wiley) Upton, was born at Lynnfield, Dec. 17, 1808; 
married Dec. 19, 1838, Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas 
Skinner of Wakefield, then Mary H. French of Deerfield, 
N. H. He received his education at Middleboro Academy, 
Mass., and at Madison University, Hamilton, N. Y. He was 
ordained over the Baptist Church in Chester, N. H., and was 
also pastor of the churches in Hudson, Londonderry, Bedford, 
Weare, and Newton, N. H., Brewster, Mass., and Monmouth, 
Me., besides supplying at Alna, Me., and Taunton and Read- 
ing in this State, then took up his residence at Brentwood, 
N. H, His brother, George Edwin, born at Lynnfield, was a 
soldier in the late war. He enUsted as a private in New 
Hampshire Volunteers, Co. G, 6th Regiment, and was pro- 
moted to first lieutenant in the same regiment, Co. F; died 



OF lAT^NFIELD, MASS. 233 

of wounds, July 31, 1864, leaving a wife and children at 
Derry, N. H. Most of these facts are from the "Upton 
Genealogy." Henry Bingham, brother of two preceding, born 
at Lynnfield, Mass., Sept. 17, 1834, was a teacher and removed 
West in 1858. He engaged in the study of medicine in 
1864. During the last year of the war he was on the medical 
staff of the army. Jan. 28, 1867, was made M. D. at Rush 
Medical College, Chicago, 111., and has since practised at 
Osceola in the same State, where he has also been a justice 
of the peace and notary public. 

The Augustus Upton family, who used to live in this town, 
were distant relatives of the foregoing family. Mrs. Mary 
Upton Nash is of the same stock, and is a well-known, highly 
prized resident of Lynnfield Centre. She is also a poetess. 

Bowman Viles, Esq., was a native of Lexington, Mass. 
He was the husband of three wives, the first of whom was 
Jerusha Burnham, and the father of twelve children. Both 
he and his third wife died suddenly. He was a man of 
ardent temperament ; in theology he was a Unitarian. At 
one time he represented this town as a P'reemason repre- 
sentative, and was also elected to many offices of trust. He 
died of heart disease ; and a person passing Cherry Mound, 
the former name of the western burying ground, sees his 
tombstone and those of a large number of his family in the 
front of the yard. He had warm friends, and lived at 
the northwest part of the town. Four of his children are 
living at the present time ; but one of them, Mrs. Sarah J. 
Hewes, lives in this town. His sons Joseph and Bowman re- 
side at West Peabody ; and his daughter, Mrs. Augusta New- 
hall, died at Lynn in 1894. 

THE WELLMANS. 

Tradition says about the time of the settlement of Lynn 
three brothers sailed from Bristol, England ; they afterwards 



2 34 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

came to the north part, now Lynnfield, and settled there. 
Their names were, Isaac, Thomas, and Abraham Welhnan. 
The first, Isaac, after remaining a short time here, removed to 
Killingworth, now CHnton, Conn., and many of his descend- 
ants still live there. Thomas and Abraham still continued to 
reside at Lynn End. Thomas Wellman purchased a farm, Feb. 
i7> 1653, which had before been owned by John Knights, a 
mason, who afterwards resided at Salem, and of Ed. Richards. 
The deed says that Thomas Wellman was a husbandman. 
A part of the farm was also bought for eighty pounds, June 
10, 1674. The first purchase was of Dea. Nicholas Potter 
of Lynn, and at the time Ed. Knights lived upon it. It also 
had meadow and marsh. " There were two * lotts ' of sixty 
acres each, the cost twenty-six pounds sterling. They 
were bounded southerly by land of Goodman Talmage, 
easterly by ye common, westerly by the river that comes out 
of Stone's meadow." 

The house stood on a hillside a short distance from the 
dam above the cider mill of E. F. Gerry, near where a large 
elm still throws its grateful shade. The house stood about 
one hundred and seventy- five years, and now the doorsteps 
and cellar are all that are left of the old habitation, where so 
many have lived and died. One hundred and more years ago 
the relatives used to visit the old home that their ancestors 
left more than a hundred years before that. 

Thomas Wellman died Oct. 10, 1672, leaving sons and 
daughters. He also left a large cup, supposed to have be- 
longed to a communion set, which he wished to be the prop- 
erty of Thomas Wellman, also a razor hone of sea wood 
petrified. These are now the property of Thomas B. Well- 
man, of the ninth generation. 

Among the descendants born in the old house was Rev. 
James Wellman, D. D., born May 10, 1728, the first minister 
born in this town. He studied with his pastor, Rev. Stephen 



OF I.YNNFIELD, MASS. 235 

Chase; graduated at Harvard College, 1744, being sixteen 
years of age ; was ordained at Sutton, Mass., over the Congre- 
gational Church, Oct. 7, 1747, where he remained till called 
as pastor at Cornish, N. H., being the first pastor, Sept. 29, 
1769; where he died Dec. 18, 1808, aged eighty years, and 
his descendants many of them remain there. 

Another was a soldier, Stephen Wellman (the historian 
says of the party who went from this region at that time that 
they were the flower of Essex County) ; he was killed by the 
Indians at Deerfield, Mass., Sept. 18, 1675. 

Another descendant, George W. Wellman, a volunteer in 
the Mexican War, died at the city of Mexico, Feb. 25, 1848, 
aged thirty-three years. 

Rev. Joshua Wellman, D. D., a descendant of Rev. James, 
was born at Cornish, N. H., Nov. 28, 182 1 ; married Oct. 24, 
1854, Ellen Maria Holbrook, daughter of Caleb Strong and 
Prudence (Durfee) Holbrook of Holbrook, Mass. He was 
prepared for college at Kimball Union Academy, Plainfield, 
N. H. ; graduated at Dartmouth College, 1846, and in 1851 
at Theological Seminary, Andover ; was ordained pastor Eirst 
Church, Derry, N. H., June 18, 1851, and remained there 
five years ; was installed at Newton Corner, Mass., June 1 1^ 
1856, remaining seventeen years ; installed as pastor of Maiden 
First Congregational Church, March 24, 1874. 

His son, Arthur H., born Oct. 30, 1855, is a talented law- 
yer, and has represented the city of Maiden in the Legislature. 

Rev. James Wellman, D. D., who was born in Lynnfield, 
May 10, 1728, had a son, James Ripley Wellman, born at 
Cornish, who was deacon of the church in that place. He 
had a son, James Ripley Wellman, born there July 27, 1829 ; 
graduated at Dartmouth College, Medical Department, 1856; 
married Louisa H. Wood of Fitchburg, Mass., and settled 
there ; was very earnest in his profession, and from overwork 
died July 24, 186 1. A sister of his, Aurilla P. Wellman, 



236 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

married Dr. Alfred Hitchcock, who was born in Westminster, 
Vt., Oct. 17, 1813, and who practised in Fitchburg, Mass. 

A history of the Wellman family was published in 1867 by 
James Wellman, at Salem, Mass., at the time he was eighty- 
four years of age. At one time there were five Abraham 
Wellmans ; at present the descendants are settled in many 
places, particularly in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, 
Ohio, and California, and the writer of these pages is the 
only one in the town bearing the name, although he has 
sisters here : Sophia Elizabeth, wife of Nathaniel Ross, and 
Lydia Rebecca, wife of Wm. R. Roundy. His only brother 
died in the late war. May 30, 1863, aged twenty-three years. 

The author of this book was born in Lynn, Mass., Sept. 9, 
1838 ; came the next year to Lynnfield, which had been the 
home of his ancestors for seven generations. His father's 
name was Thomas F. Wellman ; his mother was Sophia Ruth 
(Reed) Wellman. He has a sister, Sarah Louisa, wife of Alfred 
G. Carter of Reading. 

The, Whittredge name surely claims recognition. About 
fifty-eight years ago the two brothers, William A. and George F. 
Whittredge, came from their birthplace to Lynnfield. They 
were young men ; they occupied the building now a dwelling- 
house nearest the West burying ground, which forty years ago 
was a hive of industry. We remember the door with the bell 
on it (bells which are almost as scarce as cow bells now). 
Above the door was the sign, " W. A. & G. F. Whittredge, 
\V. L Goods & Groceries"; while a sign above in the form 
of an arch informed you that it was also a " Shoe manu- 
factory," and at the lower part of the arch was another, " Post 
Office," and the amount of work done in this building was 
very large. Both of the brothers married, bought the house 
once known as the Sparhawk house, fitted it up nicely, and 
both had families of children. 

George F. afterward removed with his family to Concord, 




HON. N. M. HAWKES. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 237 

N. H. ; while William A. built a new, large, and more commo- 
dious shop near the house, which at the present time is a 
dwelling-house. He was a public-spirited citizen and a kind 
neighbor. His wife, Mary J. (Skinner), died Nov. 20, 1885, 
some years after her husband, and both are buried in the cem- 
etery close to their former home. The house and homestead 
have just been sold, so that there is not a person of the name 
nearer here than those who live in the old garrison house where 
the two brothers were born in North Reading, and where gen- 
erations of the Whittredges have lived. 

The Ornes came to Lynnfield about the time of the Revolu- 
tion. Col. John Orne married Pamela, daughter of Rev. 
Caleb Prentiss of Wakefield. His daughter, Harriet, married 
Hubbard Emerson. Mrs. Pamela O. Starr, another well- 
remembered daughter of his, was much beloved for her kind- 
ness of heart and her zeal in every good word and work. 

James Woodward was the son of John and Hepsibeth Wood- 
ward, who had eight children. They afterward removed to 
Wakefield. One of the eight was Thomas, born 1773. 
Previous to the removal, Woodward's tool factory stood on 
Wills Brook, and even to this day portions of the dam may 
be seen. This mill also went with the family to Wakefield, 
and the Thomas above mentioned was the original manu- 
facturer of Woodward's awls and many other improved shoe 
tools, also a tincture, and he has been credited as the in- 
ventor of Emerson's elastic razor strops. He died i860, aged 
eighty-seven years ; and his descendants remain in Wakefield. 

Rev. William Chalmers Whitcomb was a son of Dea. Simeon 
Whitcomb, of Marlborough, N. H., where he was born. He 
married his cousin. Miss Harriet Lincoln of Concord, Mass., 
and they were the parents of nine children. He was settled 
as pastor of the Congregational Church in Stoneham, where 
he remained six years. He afterwards preached, and performed 
the duties of the pastoral office at Globe Village, North 



238 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Carver, and lastly in Lynnfield Centre, all in Massachusetts. 
Ever after the breaking out of the war he was ready to 
do all in his power for the honor of his country by word or 
pen, and in the summer of 1862 was commissioned as chap- 
lain at Newbern, and afterwards at Morehead City in North 
Carolina, where he zealously labored for the good of the soldier 
and contraband as long as his strength would admit. He 
was an earnest Christian, an energetic man, a loving husband, 
a kind father, and a much-esteemed friend, never shrinking 
from toil when it ought to be done, and earth contains one 
the less of noble spirits. Many of his sermons have been 
printed, and now remain as mementos of his worth. He 
contributed for many years articles to many papers in the 
country, and used to say that " brains were worth as much as 
money." A large number of his relatives were soldiers in 
the Union Army, and many a heart was saddened to learn 
that he had passed away. After his death he was generously 
remembered by his former people here, which was following 
the example set by him, whose heart was ever ready to sym- 
pathize with, and assist the needy, whose benevolence 
was almost unexampled. He and his wife were relatives of 
Ex-President Lincoln. Some letters of his in this work will 
further illustrate his character. He died of yellow fever at 
Morehead City, N. C, Oct. 25, 1863, aged forty-four years. 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 239 



CHAPTER XIII. 
Annals, 1800. 

" On the nth of June, 1800, Mr. Samuel Dyer, a gentle- 
man of Boston, was drowned in Humphrey's Pond in Lynn- 
field." 

" 1804. One of the greatest storms ever known in New 
England commenced on Tuesday morning, the 9th of 
October. The rain fell fast, accompanied with thunder. At 
four in the afternoon the wind became furious, and continued 
with unabated energy till five the next morning. This was 
probably the severest storm after that of August, 1635. The 
damage occasioned by it was very great ; buildings were 
unroofed ; barns, chimneys, and fences were blown down, and 
orchards greatly injured. . . . Many vessels were wrecked, 
and in several towns the steeples of meeting-houses were 
broken off and carried to a great distance. The number of 
trees uprooted in the woodlands was beyond calculation. 
Thousands of the oldest and hardiest sons of the forest, 
which had braved the storms of centuries, were prostrated 
before it, and the woods throughout were strewn with the 
trunks of fallen trees, which were not gathered up for many 
years." * 

1 81 8. Herbert Richardson and Charlotte Palmer. — 
Seventy-seven years ago an occurrence of note took place 
worthy of a chronicle in these pages, Herbert Richardson, a 

* History of Lynn. 



240 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

son of Herbert Richardson, was an enterprising and sedate 
young man. Miss Charlotte Palmer, formerly of Londonderry, 
N. H., had lived in a brother's family for about eight months. 
They were to be married. She went home to prepare for the 
occasion. When it was time for her to come back, Mr. Rich- 
ardson went in a sleigh to bring her home. When he started 
his friends noticed how unusually gay his spirits were. He 
said he wanted all arrangements made before he left. He 
arrived at Londonderry on Saturday, and everything was 
packed to leave on Monday. On Monday they started, and 
the load of goods was taken by Miss Palmer's brother. 
They came to a tavern in Andover. The keeper tried to 
persuade them to tarry till the next morning, as there had 
been rain all the day before, which had thawed the snow and 
swollen the streams to an enormous size. The gentleman 
thought that they had better remain, but the lady thought 
otherwise, and they passed ori. In about an hour a man came 
down to the bridge of the Shawsheen River and heard some 
one calling for assistance, and looking around saw a chaise 
bottom side up in the river, and Miss Palmer had floated to 
a tree. He told her he " could not help her, but would go 
back and get some help," which he did. There was no 
house near the bridge, so he came to the tavern which they 
had left, and found the man that they left, harnessing some 
horses. The messenger says, " For God's sake do go and 
help that poor girl. I went down to the bridge, and a woman 
was out in the stream and called for help." The man took 
one of his horses and went down to the river. Arriving there, 
no one was to be seen. The river had risen so that there 
were two streams of water across the road, and it was sup- 
posed they had got through one, and while crossing the other 
a cake of ice carried them off, or else having a young horse 
he was frightened and caused the upset. 

The men built a raft. They then looked around and saw 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 24 1 

something like a duck in the water. They rowed to it, and 
found it was the pink bonnet of Miss Palmer. They lifted 
the bonnet and found it was on her head, so laid her upon the 
raft. While doing this one man fainted and fell on the raft. 
The other man rowed to the shore with the two, and there 
found another man, whom he asked to carry Miss Palmer to 
the first house, but he was unwilling, so he took her himself. 
As he was going into the yard leading to the house he said to 
the man, " Come, lend a helping hand and carry this woman 
into the house" ; but the man said he "would not touch her, 
for the law would take hold of him." His wife, who was in the 
house and heard him, came to the door and told him to bring 
her in. She threw open her parlor door, and every means 
was used to restore her to life. As the lady of the house was 
rubbing her she said to her, " Poor girl, can't you tell us how 
this happened?" She opened her eyes and smiled, and then 
died. Word was sent to the family at Lynnfield. The next 
morning two brothers of Mr. Richardson came up to the 
river. As they arrived the body was being taken from the 
water. The river had been dragged, and it could not be 
found. There was a ditch parallel with the road. Some one 
said, " Look in the ditch." They found him there. It was sup- 
posed the horse struck him in the forehead when he was 
thrown from the vehicle. 

The two were laid out, put in coffins and brought home. 
Neighbors offered to watch with the bodies ; but the father 
said, " I will care for my own dead," and through the night 
he went to the room where they were sleeping and where the 
moon shone in at the west window. 

The funeral took place from the old meeting-house, and 
was one of the largest ever held there, the house was so crowded 
that it was feared the galleries would break down. The meet- 
ing-house at that time had three doors on as many sides. 
The main door was at the south side, and the street ran 



242 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

through the Common. The bodies were placed one each side 
of the road. An impressive sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. 
Mottey, after which the procession moved to the new burying 
ground, where He many of the friends of the deceased, and a 
watch was kept for some time after over the double sepulchre. 

1820. Dr. Martin Herrick died July 10 of this year, aged 
seventy-two, in a house at the extreme north part of the town, 
known as the "Tremont House," which was burned a few 
years ago. Dr. Herrick was a very skilful physician, in- 
deed some of his friends thought that they should never 
survive another sickness after he was gone. His wife was 
Sally Wright of Middleton, by whom he had four children, 
all daughters, three of whom were living a few years ago. He 
was once a school teacher in this town. He was buried with 
Masonic honors in the old burying ground at his own request, 
and his grave is near the gate. 

A convention of delegates assembled at the State House in 
Boston agreeably to a law passed June 16 of this year for the 
purpose of revising the Constitution of Massachusetts. Hon. 
Asa T. Newhall was the delegate from Lynnfield. A journal 
of the proceedings was published the next year. A copy of it 
was presented to one of the libraries in town. 

1827. We copy from a newspaper of March 29 : — 

"At Lynnfield, Mr. David Needham, aged 33. The circumstances at- 
tending the death of Mr. Needham were peculiarly distressing. He was 
at work in the woods, and with him were two other men, one of whom 
was a deranged man by the name of Parker, and of whom he was in no 
fear, though it is said Mr. Parker has at various times threatened to injure 
him. Mr. Parker and the other man were splitting, and Mr. Needham 
was piling. Mr. Parker raised his axe with the apparent intention of 
splitting a log that was lying before him, when suddenly turning on his 
heel he smote Mr. Needham, who at the moment was stooping down to 
pick up wood. The axe went through the lower part of the shoulder 
blade, passed between the ribs into the chest and made an incision in the 
right lobe of the lungs, about two inches in length and one in depth. He 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 243 

lingered a little more than twelve days and expired. This brief 
notice of the circumstances attending Mr. Needham's death is written with 
the hope that it may prove a word in season to those who have 
in their employ men that are wholly or partially deranged. To all the 
voice of Providence in this event is, ' Be ye also ready, for in such an hour 
as ye think not the Son of man cometh.' " 

1835. This year a committee was chosen to consider the 
expediency of purchasing a town farm, — a possession which 
Lynnfield has never had, nor has it ever been thought need- 
ful. These unfortunates have been probably as well cared 
for as in other towns, being boarded out, and the bill for them 
has never been small, yet the poor farm is still unbought. 

1837. Lynnfield's share of the surplus money of United 
States revenue, amounting to $1,328.29, was received and 
applied to the town debt. The 20th of June the barn of 
Hubbard Emerson was struck by lightning. One of the oxen 
was killed. 

1838. John Upton, a Revolutionary soldier, died of a fall. 
May 3, aged ninety-one years and a half. 

1852. The first church bell was hung in the steeple of the 
Evangelical Congregational Society on the 26th of November. 
Its weight is ten hundred and forty pounds. The tone is good, 
B flat. Previous to this time no public bell ever pealed forth 
over these hills and valleys, except the factory bell, and that 
had been cracked for many years. Since then Lynnfield has 
not lacked for its warning sound when a fire occurred, for its 
solemn toll when funeral rites were performed, for its invit- 
ing sound calling to church service, lectures, etc., for its merry 
peal when victory crowned our arms, or on the Fourth of July. 

1854. The cars ran on the Danvers Railroad in this town 
for the first time, Dec. 12. A picture of the railroad station 
is given. The present agent is Arthur B. Weld. 

1856. On the 9th of July a house situated at the corner 
of Main and Lowell Streets, known as the Smith house, was 



244 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

burned, very few knowing it till the next morning. The fire 
was probably the work of an incendiary, as there were no persons 
living in it at the time. A barn was burned on the same 
place a few years before. 

1857. The Congregational Meeting- House at Lynnfield, 
South Village, was dedicated this year, Nov. 18. Dr. Samuel 
Worcester, of Salem, preacher. Text, Zechariah iv. 6. 

1858. A most excellent select school was kept in the 
town hall this year, Mrs. Mary A. Jones, formerly of Tops- 
field Academy, principal. 

1859. The Fourth of July was celebrated in a novel way 
this year. About half past six o'clock the horribles made 
their appearance, from which the cattle ran for dear life. 

Most of the company, about forty in number, rode on 
horses or in exceedingly ancient vehicles, while a few pedes- 
trians, whose style on foot was quite interesting, passed with 
the company. It would take pages to describe the scarlet 
cloaks, gray wigs, spectacles, smallclothes, and antiquated gar- 
ments of these queer-looking people ; but the play was well 
carried out. In the evening at the fireworks, as if to carry 
out the morning's exercises, a band came along. Their in- 
struments consisted of an old air-tight stove, sticks, chains, 
and bells, so fastened that they made a hideous noise. 
This was the way the anniversary of independence was cele- 
brated, not only in this but in many of our towns. 

Dec. 2. John Brown hung in Virginia. A sad event in 
our country's history. The following letters passed from and 
to this town on that account : — 

Lynnfield, Mass., Nov. 12, 1859. 
To HIS Excellency Henry A. Wise. 

Afy dear Sir, — I suppose you receive many letters nowadays with 
reference to John Brown, who has been doomed to execution on the 
gallows for a violation of Virginia's laws. Excuse a word from me. I 
have known and loved that infatuated man; and though I do not approve 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 245 

of his course in connection with the Harper's Ferry raid, yet I cannot 
bear the idea of his Ijeing put to death, and I feel it impressed upon me, 
like the bidding of God, that I must write a pleading letter to you yes, 
you, dear sir, whom not having seen, I have loved and admired. Do not, 
oh, do not let that most noble-hearted, though strangely misguided old 
man die, if it be in your power to prevent so dire a catastrophe ! Pray, 
see that his sentence is changed, even if it be to imprisonment for life, and 
multitudes will rise up and call you blessed, handing your name down to 
immortality as a generous benefactor, and thank you forever. But " a 
word to the 7i>ise is sufficient." Please drop me a line, and state whether 
any hope at all may be cherished for John Brown. 

Yours truly and sincerely, 

WILLIAM C. WHITCOMB. 

Richmond, Va., Nov. 17, 1859. 
J\ev. Sir, — The very sympathy with John Brown, so regardless of 
social safety, so general, so fanatical, and so irreverent of the right of law, 
demands his execution if sentenced by the courts. The laws he insulted 
and outraged are now protecting all his rights of defence, and all his 
claims for mercy. 

Truly yours, 

HENRY A. WISE. 

During the year there were but eight deaths in town, the 
oldest eighty-two years, the average thirty-four years. 

i860. The barn of Henry Clay, at the west part of the 
town, was struck by lightning on the 8th of August and 
burned to the ground with most of its contents. A horse was 
gotten out by a young lady. The barn, hay, etc., were in- 
sured the week before. The lightning struck in many places 
during the shower, shivering trees, telegraph posts, etc. 

Mr. William Brown, of this place, was struck by the engine 
at South Reading the 29th of January. He was taken to the 
hospital in Boston, where he died the next day, aged fifty 
years. 

The town contains eight hundred and sixty inhabitants. 
There were twenty births, seven marriages, and fifteen deaths 
during the year. 



246 HISTORY OF THE TOWTs' 

1 86 1. During the present season there has been, and is 
to be, a course of lectures at the Central Church, the pro- 
ceeds to go towards an organ for the church. Among the 
lecturers were Rev. A. L. Stone of Boston, afterward of 
California ; Rev. Daniel March, D. D., of Woburn, and 
others, including Wendell Phillips, Esq. During the last year 
there were twenty births, seven marriages, and fifteen deaths. 

Rev. William C. Whitcomb went to Washington to attend 
the inaugural of President Lincoln, who was a distant relative 
of his. 

The expenses for the town the past year were $1,080.45 > 
the town debt was $117.04 ; the largest tax paid was $557.61, 
on $100,200, by Capt. Henry Bancroft. 

July 4, Independence day, was duly celebrated by ringing 
of bells, etc. The principal feature of the day was the flag 
raising and services connected therewith. A liberty pole had 
been placed upon the Common, the first one that ever was 
there, and the ladies had made in the old town hall the flag 
that was to float from its top. 

1863. At the annual meeting in March the citizens voted 
to give $100 bounty to the volunteers who had enlisted before 
bounties were given; also $150 to the families of the late 
John P. Mead, who fell in the defence of his country, and 
George W. Palmer, who died in a Virginia hospital. 

The 13th of March was an exceedingly cold day, ther- 
mometer twenty degrees below zero. 

April 9. A singular phenomenon appeared in the heavens : 
an arch somewhat like the northern lights extended from east 
to west for about an hour, commencing at eight o'clock in the 
evening. 

A hurricane passed through here on the second day of 
June, commencing about nine o'clock, but passed without 
serious damage, blowing bricks from chimneys, scuttles from 
roofs, breaking limbs from trees, raising clouds and whirl- 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 247 

winds of dust. After the blow a slight sprinkle occurred ; 
then a bright rainbow spanned the horizon. 

A double wedding took place at the Central Church, 
Thursday, June i8, that of James M. Barnard of Boston and 
Miss Ellen M. Whittredge, and Col. Thomas E. Barker of the 
Twelfth New Hampshire Volunteers and Miss Elzina F. 
Whittredge; the brides both sisters, and daughters of William 
A. Whittredge of Lynnfield. The house was crowded. 

1864. We copy from the report of this year the notice of 
the town from the pen of John Danforth, Esq., at that time the 
chairman of the selectmen, " comparing the present with the 
past history" : — 

"On the 28th day of February, 1S14, ^" '^^t passed the Legislature of 
this Commonwealth, incorporating the district of Lynnfield into a town 
by the name of Lynnfield. 

" In that year there were less than one hundred voters in the town; of 
that number ten are now living in the town. That year the whole 
amount of money assessed for State, county, and town taxes was only 
^1,105.56. Of this sum ^104.00 was the State tax, ;^I02.33 ^^^ county 
tax, the balance being expended for town purposes, including the support 
of schools for that year. The past year, as will be seen by the preceding 
report, the sum assessed for the same purposes was ^5,600.12, the State 
tax alone being ^1,536.00, several hundred dollars more than all the taxes 
at the former period. The largest tax then paid by one person or estate 
was ^28.75. This tax was paid on the Orne estate, and one person 
then occupying a part of said estate as tenant and paying a tax of only 
;j54.oo is still living in town and the past year paid a tax of ^962.08, being 
nearly as much as the whole sum assessed in town fifty years ago. 

" A marked improvement in town during the half-century just closed is 
apparent in many respects, and in none is it more visible perhaps than in 
the appearance of the buildings, nearly one half the dwelling-houses, to- 
gether with new schoolhouses in each district, having been built within 
the period named, and the larger part of the whole number are now 
painted, presenting a striking contrast with the former time when there 
were but a few painted buildings in town. 

" The same improvement also may be seen in the condition of our public 
roads as compared with what it was formerly. The entire length of the 



248 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

public roads in town is about twenty miles, the larger part having been 
widened and straightened antl otherwise generally improved. Thus it 
will be seen that while the growth of the town has been small yearly and 
hardly perceptible at times, yet in the course of half a century it has 
steadily increased in population, wealth, and general prosperity. 

" It has always been the policy of the people in their corporate capacity 
to be free from debt. But at the breaking out of the present great Re- 
bellion the people of the town, actuated by a spirit of the purest loyalty 
and ever ready to uphold the good government inherited from the fathers, 
manifested their readiness to crush the traitorous power by furnishing 
their quota of men under all calls upon them by the government. To our 
volunteers the town has paid the sum of ;?4,350 in addition to the bounties 
paid by the State and general governments, thereby causing the small 
debt that exists at the present time. 

" Since the incorporation of the town the duties of its officers have been 
ever increasing, but in no year have the labors of the selectmen been so 
great as in the past, owing mainly to the existing war. But all duties have 
been made more easy from the satisfaction of knowing we are receiving 
the co-operation of our fellow-citizens." 

1865. A long block of ice houses was burned at Suntaug 
Lake on the nth of February. They had just been filled for 
the season. 

The town at its annual meeting voted to raise ^1,500 
toward paying off its debt. The amount raised the year be- 
fore was $1,000 for the same purpose. 

On Friday, March 17, Emeline, only daughter of Seth 
Merrow, fell from a footbridge while crossing Ipswich River 
during a heavy wind and was drowned. 

A tenement house belonging to Joel Hewes was burned 
about twelve o'clock on Thursday, 30th of March. At the time 
it was unoccupied. 

On the morning of Saturday, April 15, the country was 
shocked to learn that the noble President, Abraham Lincoln, 
had been assassinated by J. Wilkes Booth, a sympathizer of 
the rebels, at Ford's Theatre in Washington the night before, 
and that his spirit had already passed away. All the bells 



OF LYNNFIF.LD, MASS. 249 

were tolled, flags were at half mast, and houses were dressed with 
the emblems of mourning. The Central Church was draped in 
white and black, sides, gallery, pulpit, while behind the latter 
was the national flag draped in mourning. Impressive ser- 
vices were held the next day, and also at noon of the next 
Wednesday, which were largely attended. 

On Sunday, May 13, a former citizen of this town came 
riding and announced the gratifying fact that Jefferson Davis, 
president of the so-called Confederate States, had been cap- 
tured. The flag on the Common was run up, prayers in 
divine service were ofl"ered in thankfulness. The next day 
bells were rung, every flag was blowing at the top of the mast, 
and many a pun was let off at the arch rebel's expense, and of 
his costume ; and during the summer, not far from the Central 
depot, was an effigy of him standing to scare the crows from the 
corn. 

The death rate of last year was very large. The whole 
number recorded on the town books for 1864 was a total of 
27. Four of the number were soldiers, viz., Jonas P. Barden, 
died June 25, aged 21 years; Benjamin W. Parsons, died 
Aug. 14, aged 28 years; Henry A. Hewes, died Oct. 3, aged 
30 years ; George W. Wiley, died Dec. 18, aged 25 years. Of 
those who died eight were seventy years, and the oldest, 
Mrs. Mercy R. Swinerton, was 92. 

1869. A heavy gale passed through here on the 8th of 
September, accompanied with a pelting rain. The trees in 
large numbers were uprooted ; outhouses, barns, sheds, 
chimneys, and fences were blown to the ground, as well as 
cornfields and shrubs, beside windows and doors being 
broken. The loss to towns in this vicinity, particularly 
churches, was very large, while a number of vessels were 
wrecked upon the coast. 

On the 5 th of September twelve persons were baptized at 
Humphrey's Pond, three by immersion and nine by sprinkling. 



250 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

This summer the Common was filled and graded by Capt. 
Henry Bancroft, the cost being about ^1,500. The gravel 
was donated by Jonathan Bryant, and the surveying was 
performed by Rev. Jacob Hood. 

1875. Table of aggregates : Valuation real estate, $438,- 
730; valuation personal estate, $320,050: total valuation, 
^^758, 780. Number of horses, 135 ; number of cows, 272; 
number of licensed dogs, 50; acres of land taxed, 5,349. 

Census 1875. Population, 769; males, 362; females, 
407; ratable polls, 224; legal voters, 186; number of 
families, 190; dwelling-houses, 170; dwellings occupied, 
163 ; unoccupied, 7. 

1876. One hundredth anniversary of independence or 
centennial year, an account of which will not be wanting for 
another century. Probably the Fourth of July had never been 
so extensively and generally celebrated, and it is a matter of 
doubt if those living will ever see it so earnestly celebrated 
again. It caused a review of old papers, old furniture, old 
clothes, manners, and old houses, and many a memorandum 
was kept on account of the century being closed. 

The Fourth of July aforesaid was celebrated with all the 
fervor possible. People flocked to the centennial, carrying 
ancient relics. Among them from Lynnfield, Samuel Adams's 
shoe buckles, also old silver spoons. Some people went on 
their wedding tours. 

1880. The area of the town has never been crowded, and 
there are about 5,300 acres of land, tillage, mowing meadow, 
woodland, and pasture. The pasture land covers the most 
acres, next the meadow, then wood. 
The population of the town in 

1790 ....... was 491 

1800 . "468 

1810 " 509 

1820 " 596 




Tj 



;■::;!! " ' 



\-....^ 



^Sf." 





y 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 



251 



1830 
1840 
1850 
i860 
1870 
1880 
1890 



The table of aggregates for 1880 : — 
Total number of polls . 
Tax on each poll 
Total value of personal estate 
Total value of real estate 
Total valuation, May i, 1880 
Total tax for 1880 
Rate on $1,000 . 
Total number of horses 
Total number of cows 
Total number of dwelling-houses 
Total number of acres of land 



617 
707 

1,723 
866 
818 
686 
787 



197 

$2.00 

$106,016.00 

$455,012.00 

$561,028.00 

^5,443-63 
$9.00 

139 

346 

162 

5,360 



1887. The number of deaths in town this year recorded 
by the town clerk was twelve ; of marriages, eight ; of births, 
seventeen. 

1888. During the town year ending March i, the town 
paid for debt and interest the sum of $1,796. 

This year the streets of the town were named, as follrws : 
Main, Central, Lowell, Chestnut, Salem, Howard, Arlington, 
Forest Hill Avenue, Broadway, Walnut, South Common, 
Summer, Essex, Union. 



Table of aggregates for 1890 : 
Total number of polls 
Tax on each poll 



220 
$2,00 



252 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Total value of personal estate . . $88,900.00 

Total value of real estate . . . $512,462.00 

Total valuation, May i, 1890 . . $601,362.00 

Total tax for 1890 .... 

Rate on $1,000 .... 

Total number of horses 

Total number of cows 

Total number of dwelling-houses 

Total number of acres of land . 



), 002.07 

$9.25 

184 

370 

177 

6,139 



LIBRARIES. 



The first public library in Lynnfield was started Nov. 27, 
1795, and was a noble monument to its founders. The first 
of the records, reading as follows, may be of interest in this 
connection : — 

"That the rational amusement and important advantage 
to be derived from reading judicious and well-selected 
authors may be enjoyed, it is proposed to establish in 
this place a library company or society upon the follow- 
ing principles, viz. : — 

" First, the said company shall consist of at least twenty- 
five shares. 

" Second, upon each share shall be assessed the sum of two 
dollars. 

"Third, as soon as the subscription shall be full, a meeting of 
the subscribers shall be held to form such regulations for the 
government of the aforesaid society as to them shall appear 
best adapted to promote the object in view." 

Beneath these rules were the names of seventy individuals 
of the days of yore. 

The library after many years became old-fashioned, but was 
a welcome boon to generations of the original owners. The 
selection and additions in after years reflect much credit on 



OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 253 

those who made them. The list of donors is not long, 
but the shareholders did not seem to hesitate to be taxed 
often for the purpose of enlarging the aforesaid library. The 
books were covered as if to last five hundred years. The 
officers of the society, which was to meet quarterly, were : 
president, treasurer, librarian, clerk, collector, and a com- 
mittee. One of the rules adopted was that the books should 
be kept within a mile of the meeting-house. The library was 
always known as the Lynnficid Social Library. 

For many years the clerk of the society was the Rev. 
Joseph Mottey, and by him the records were beautifully kept, 
and evince great interest in affairs by that gentleman, who, by 
such writings, has greatly gratified generations he never saw. 

The house containing the library was burned in 1879, and 
thus ended the library in smoke, which we heartily wish had 
be( n preserved in the Essex Institute at Salem. 

The next library of a public character was the Lyceum 
Library, which came into existence in 1835. A lyceum had 
been formed, and one of its purposes was to collect a library. 
This library was kept in many places, till finally it was merged 
in the old Social Library, formed forty years before, and was 
burned with the house in which both of them were deposited. 

The two libraries contained quite an assortment of books. 
The Social had many biographies, and ancient histories. 
The books were covered with leather, and looked as if 
they might last for ages, while the other library was more 
modern in every respect. The two were a grand start if 
they could have been preserved for the free public library 
of to-day, and it is with regret that many think of their 
sudden cremation, although it is said that measures had been 
taken for the better preservation of these legacies of other 
days. 

The next public library was the Agricultural, svhich came 
into being about 1850. This was nicely gotten up, being 



254 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

owned in shares, and the books still are before the public. 
They were merged in the library of the Lynnfield Library 
Association, which was started in 1889 by George H. Ban- 
croft, Starr Parsons, and others, and was given, amounting 
to three hundred books, to the town Public Library. 

This was opened July 22, 1892, in the town hall. At the 
time there were five hundred and fifty-four books. It now 
numbers one thousand. Miss Elizabeth W. Green has been 
librarian from the opening. 



LEGAL OFFICERS. PARISH, DISTRICT, AND TOWN CLERKS. 

Ezekiel Gowing, 1752, 1753, 1755, 1756. 
James Wiley, 1754. 

Natha'll Bancroft, 1757, 1758, 1762. 1764, 1771-1773. 
Nath'U Sherman, 1760, 1761, 1765, 1786. 
Benjamin Brown, 1766. 

John Bryant, 1767, 1768, 1776-1778, 1781, 1782, 1785- 
1787, 1789. 

John Perkins, 1769, 1774, 1775, 17S3, 1784, 1788, 1789. 

Thomas Townsend, 1770. 

James Bancroft, 1779, 17S0. 

John Burnham, 1790-1792. 

Benjamin Adams, 1793-1804. 

Daniel Needham, 1805, 1806. 

Jona. Merriam, 1807-18 10. 

John Orne, 1811, 181 2. 

John Upton, 1813-1817, 1832. 

Andrew Mansfield, 18 18-1822. 

Bowman Viles, 1823-1831, 1833. 

Andrew Mansfield, 1 834-1 836, 1841, 1843. 

Joshua Hewes, 1837-1840, 1842. 

John Perkins, 1 844-1 856. 



OF LYNNFIEI.D, MASS. 255 

John Danforth, 185 7-1 876. 
Francis P. Russell, 187 7-1 892. 
Ebenezer Parsons, 1893, 1894. 

TREASURERS. 

Ebenezer Bancroft, 1753, 1758. 

Daniel Mansfield, 1754, 1756, 1757, 1 760-1 764, 1769, 
1782. 

Nath'U Bancroft, 1765, 1774, 1776-17S1, 1783, 1785- 
1787. 

Joseph Newhall, i 766-1768. 

Joseph Gowing, i 770-1773. 

John Orne, 1775. 

Nath'U Sherman, 178S. 

John Upton, 1789. 

John Hawkes, 1790, 1791, 1805. 

John Perkins, 1792-1804. 

Samuel Aborn, 1806-1822. 

Daniel Needham, 1823. 

Andrew Mansfield, 1824-1834. 

Daniel Mansfield, 1836. 

Matthew Cox, 1837. 

Henry Bancroft, 1839— 184 1. 

Joshua Hewes, 1842-1859. 

Jonathan Bryant, 1860-1868. 

William R. Roundy, 1869-1884. 

John M. Danforth, 1885-1892. 

Frank Hart, 1S93, 1894. 

SELECTMEN. 

John Bryant, 1782. 

Nath'U Sherman, 17S2, 1786, 1789, 1793, i794- 

Thomas Townsend, 1782. 



256 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

John Perkins, i7<S3, 1784, 17S7, i 7S9. 
Daniel Mansfield, 1783. 
Timothy Munroe, 1784, 1785, 1892. 

John Hawkes, 1784, 1785, 1788, 1 793-1802, 1807, 1808. 
Jonathan Tarbell, 1783, 1786, 1789. 
John Upton, 1786, 1787. 
John Burnham, 1787, 1788, 1790-1792. 
Benjamin Adam?, 1 790-1 S04, 
Daniel Mansfield, 1795-1802, 1805, 1806. 
John Upton, 1803, 1804, 1810-1817, 1824, 1832. 
John Orne, 1805, 1806, 181 1, 1812. 

Andrew Mansfield, 1803-1806, 1812-1822, 1833-1836, 
1841, 1843. 
Jonathan Merriam, 1807 -1809. 
Benjamin Wiley, 1807-1810, 1818-1820. 
Noah Newhall, 1809, 18 10. 
Jonathan Tarbell, 1809. 
Wright Newhall, 1813-1817. 
Charles Richardson, 18 18. 
Asa T. Newhall, 1819, 1820. 
Bowman Viles, 182 1-1833. 
John Bryant, 1 821 -1823. 
Josiah Newhall, 1 823-1 826. 
John Aborn, 1825, 1826. 

Daniel Mansfield, 1827-1830, 1832, 1837, 1854, 1855. 
Jesse Tapley, 1827-1830. 
Jacob Wiley, 1831, 
Moses Richardson, 1833- 1836. 
Joshua Hewes, 1832, 1837-1840, 1842. 
John Perkins, 1834-1837, 1841-1854, 1S56. 
Enoch Russell, 1838-1840, 1842-1846. 
David Swasey, 1 838-1 840. 
George F. Whittredge, 1841, 1847-1851. 
Benjamin Moulton, 1 844-1 848. 







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OF LYNNFIELD, MASS. 257 

John Danforth, 1852-1876. 
Aaron Newhall, 1849-1853, 1857-1859. 
Benjamin U. Preston, 1856. 
Joseph Smith, 1857-1859. 

Andrew Mansfield, 1860-1864, 1866, 1867, 1875, 1876, 
890—1894. 

William Skinner, 1861-1864, 1866, 1870-1872. 
John H. Perkins, 1867-1869. 
George L. Hawkes, 1868-1872, 1874, 1875. 
Henry E. Smith, 1875, 1876. 
Joseph S. Moulton, 1877. 
Seth H. Russell, 1877-1879. 
J. S. Drayton, 1877. 
Albert Mansfield, 187 7-1 883. 
David F. Parsons, 1 878-1 882. 
Joseph T. Bancroft, 1880, 1 883-1 8S5. 
Ebenezer Parsons, 1 881-1883. 
Henry Law, 1884. 

Frank Newhall, 1884-1889, 189 1-1894. 
JohnM. Danforth, 1885-1894. 
Francis P. Russell, 1886-1889. 
George E. Batchelder, 1890. 

REPRESENTATIVES . 

Gen. Josiah Newhall, 1826, 1827, 1844. 

Hon. Asa T. Newhall, 1828. 

Bowman Viles, Esq., 1832. 

John Upton, Jr., 1833. 

Joshua Hewes, 1885. 

John Perkins, Jr., 1836. 

William Perkins, 1837. 

David N. Swasey, 1840. 

James Jackson, 1841. 

Joshua Hewes, 1843. 



258 HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

Enoch Russell, 1844. 
William Skinner, Jr., 1850, 185 i. 
John Danforth, Jr., 1852, 1853. 
David A. Titcomb, 1856, 1857. 
George L. Hawkes, 1864. 
James Hewes, 1868. 
William R. Roundy, 1873. 
Andrew Mansfield, 1S80. 
John M. Danforth, 1891, 1892. 

POST-OFFICES. 

The post-office at the South Village, known as Lynnfield, 
is the oldest in town, being established May 25, 1836, with 
Theron Palmer as its first postmaster. Among those later 
are Charles Spinney, James W. Church, Henry W. Swasey, 
James Jackson, etc. The present one is William H. Stevens, 
and the post-office is kept at the depot in the south part of 
the town. 

The post-office at Lynnfield Centre was established Aug. i , 
1848. Its first postmaster was George F. Whittredge. Samuel 
N. Newcomb, Jonathan Bryant, Francis P. Russell, and others 
have since filled the office, which is at present in the Centre 
depot, with Benjamin T. Brown as postmaster. 

It is a satisfaction to know that our town is represented 
beyond its own narrow borders. That large cities are built 
up by the small villages is well known. 

One can read on the town records of 1842 of the birth of 
Benjamin Francis Moulton. Still further on in the course of 
time we find him studying for the medical profession, and at 
present hear of him as successful in the city of Lawrence. 

Another native of this place, Benjamin Downing, a well- 
remembered person who used to play the organ here, has for 



OF LYNNFIELD, ■ MASS. 259 

years been a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, and an organist in 
that city. 

Among those who left this place in war time, as soldiers, 
we recognize two who have settled in other places, Arthur C. 
Richardson of Newburyport, and Samuel H. Mitchell of 
Brighton, and both have represented their adopted homes in 
the Legislature. 

Lieut. Benjamin W. Parsons, who has been spoken of as a 
shoemaker, we have since learned was at the time of his 
enlistment a civil engineer. 

There are others who have gone out from among us to aid 
in the great world's activities, to whom reference might be 
made did space permit. 

Much material collected for this history the author has been 
obliged to omit, in order to keep it within the prescribed 
limits. 

We are pleased to be able to add one more to our list of 
annals: Feb. 9, 1895. A long-distince telephone was put 
into the store of Francis P. Russell for the use of the public, 
thus putting our little town on speaking terms with the wide, 
wide world. 

Previous to this a telephone had been placed in the south 
part of the town ; it was afterward withdrawn, but not until it 
had been of service in calling for aid from the firemen of 
Peabody at the burning of Lynnfield Hotel. 



1 



APPENDIX 




LYNNFIELD. 

(p"RUM AN ESSAY WRITTEN IN 1888, BV NATHAN M. HAWKES.) 

Settlement. 

LvNNFiELD was a part of Lynn in the early days, and was settled by 
some of those God-fearing Puritans who abandoned Old England, the 
dearest spot on earth to them, that in the wilderness they might enjoy 
freedom of conscience. 

Its rich soil, its wild and romantic scenery, its beautiful ponds, and its 
hills clothed with dense forests, attracted the attention of the first- 
comers. 

Its distance from Lynn made it desirable to have a more convenient 
place of worship. Lynnfield was set off as a parish, or district, the 17th of 
November, 171 2. The inhabitants were to be freed from parish taxes as 
soon as a meeting-house should be built and a minister settled. 

The people of Lynnfield are called in the Lynn town records, " our 
neighbors, the farmers." 

This was the beginning of its separate local and legal establishment. 

In 1 715 the first meeting-house was built, and the second parish en- 
tered upon a career of usefulness, the results of whic^ influence and per- 
meate the whole community, even to this day. 

Puritan Customs. 

An especially interesting fact as illustrating the tenacity and the rigor 
of the institutions founded by the followers of Winthrop has been called to 
my attention by Mr. John M. Danforth, the chairman of the selectmen. 



262 APPENDIX. 

Church and State were so intimately blended in the early days that seats 
in the church were assigned in town meeting, and the town meetings were 
held in the church. This combined church and meeting-house invariably 
stood in the centre of the village upon an open place called the green. 
Mr. Danforth writes us that " the genuine Puritan meeting-house is still 
standing on the green at the centre, and the lower part is still used as a 
town Jiall." After all these years the good people yet worship and legis- 
late under one roof. 

In 1 814 it became a town by its present name. 

Native Population. 

Its soil is even now largely occupied by the descendants of the sturdy 
pioneers. These and families of leisure and refinement who have sought 
out the place constitute an ideal New England town. 

It is absolutely free from the evils and annoyances (which it is needless 
to name) that follow in the train of manufacturing. 

Railroads. 

Quiet and secluded, it yet has two lines of railroad, landing passengers 
at their Boston terminus in Haymarket Square, distant twelve miles. 

Within its extended territorial borders there is no Ucensed or unlicensed 
tippling house. 

Ponds. 

Suntaug Lake, upon its eastern boundary, a large, natural pond with a 
beautiful island in its centre, is one of the fairest inland sheets of w'&ter 
that the eye ever looked upon. 

Westerly is another pond that is the resort of the disciples of Izaak 
Walton. Upon its banks is a primeval forest untouched by the rude 
woodman's axe. Its outlet is the stream that furnished the power to 
grind the corn and saw the boards of the town and for the old Adam 
Hawkes woollen mill. The same stream now grinds apples into cider for 
Gerry, and goes on turning wheels on Saugus River till it reaches old 
ocean. 

The waters of Suntaug work their passage to the ocean by way of the 
Ipswich River. 

The two make a perfect system of draining for the town, — a system 
kindly given by a higher power instead of bought by man. 



APPENDIX. 263 

Churches and Schools. 

It has Congregational, Unitarian, and Methodist churches. 

Its schools are the plain, well-kept, well-supported common schools, 
which have bred the brain and sinew of New England from the day our 
fathers landed on these shores. 

It has two post-offices, but not one almshouse. 

It has so far escaped the craze to turn our climate into that of the sunny 
South by putting the chimney on the outside of the house. 

The houses are mostly substantial, square, and white, facing the south, 
true as the dial, which the modern esthetic rejects, but which are dear to 
all who reverence the good old days. 

Turnpike. 

The Newburyport Turnpike is perhaps the longest straight road in New 
England. Its promoters boasted that they would build it so that a person 
standing on High Street, Nev/buryport, could see the whole way to Charles- 
town Square, something like forty miles away. Of course they did not 
quite accomplish this achievement, but they came as near to it as was 
possible. 

On the line of this pike stood the once noted hostelry, known then and 
now as the Lynnfield Hotel. In the stage-coaching days the immense 
coach yard was a lively place, when the four and six horse coaches arrived 
or departed. 

And many a merry sleighing party from all the neighboring regions 
made the welkin ring with song and laughter. The old house and the old 
road remain, but the new ways are not like the old, and grass grows in the 
coach yard where the Tony Wellers of old Essex once held high carnival. 

Population. 

The population is about 750, and is, as I may have said elsewhere, ho- 
mogeneous, which means in this case native. 

The tax rate for the present year is $13 per i^l.ooo, although it has not 
been over $g for ten years, and probably will not be above that rate next 
year. The increase is due to the fact that the town proposes to owe no 
man anything, and hence will pay in full its debts of perhaps $i,3CX). 

Having no institutions for making tramps or paupers, it spends no 
money for police, courts, or lawyers. Hence with a low rate of taxation 
it provides liberally for its roads and schools, which in this phenomenally 
well-managed town are practically all the items for which taxes are levied. 



264 APPENDIX. 

The town reports show its affairs to be managed by individuals of cer- 
tain names, such as Mansfield, Danforth, Bancroft, Hewes, Perkins, Her- 
rick, Newhall, Roundy, Oerry, Hawkes. Look back and the same names 
appear, but they are the fathers or the grandfathers of the present holders 
of the names. 

The register of deaths of last year is a remarkable record. Two died 
in infancy, two in youth, and the others, ten in number, reached a com- 
bined age of 795 years, an average of 79^ years. 

Seventeen marriages were registered in the same period, and the birth- 
place of the few who were not American born was English. 

The birthplace of every father and mother of every child born in the 
year in the few exceptional cases not American was English. 

With such a record we can aftbrd to have even the Col. Matthew Cox 
estate and the old house where the victims of the Lexington fight were 
cared for improved, when such good citizens as the president of the Society 
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals becomes the improvers. 

Sanitary. 

From the sanitary point of view it yields the palm to no other place. 
Upon a high plateau within a few miles of the ocean, it is as completely 
sheltered from the dreaded east wind as a town in New Hampshire. 

The east wind is shorn of its chill and its threats by the hills that lie be- 
tween the town and Lynn. 

These hills are covered by the great Lynn forest, which reaches into 
our town, and are crowned by magnificent groves largely of white pines. 

(Changes that have taken place since the above was written have been 
noted elsewhere.) 



APPENDIX . 265 

Lynnfield has nci High School, hut many of its scholars have stood well 
in advanced schools of other towns. Miss Pamela Derby has just won 
(1895) the lirst prize in declamation for Wakefield High School, of which 
she is a member, in the Oratorical League Contest, where several high 
schools were represented. 

We insert the following poem by a Lynnfield scholar : — 

CHRYSEIS. 

By Stark I'arsons. 
First Prize (^Boston Latin School), June, 18S7. 

In the old, old days 

When Jupiter's praise 
Was sounded by every tongue. 

When heroes divine 

With altar and shrine 
Were worshipped by old and young, 

A holy seer, 

To Phoebus dear, 
Oft the Archer's praises sung. 

When his task was o'er, 

At the temple door 
Each evening his daughter found; 

The beautiful maid 

For her father stayed, 
Her tresses with wild flowers crowned; 

One sad day came 

The daughter's name 
In vain the forests resound. 

For the cruel Oreek, 

Like the north-wind Ijleak, 
Had bhghted that joyous home; 

And the grieving sire 

Left the sacred fire 
O'er many a league to roam; 

And jewels rare 

He carried there 
Through the fierce sky-lashing foam. 



266 APPENDIX. 

To a distant land 
The plundering band 

Had carried the frightened maid, 
A ransom rare, 
The priest brought there, 

And the haughty king he prayed; 
"Though you offered thrice 
It would not suffice," 

The cruel chieftan said. 

From the barren shore, 
Where the wild waves roar. 

His prayer to Phcebus rose; 
The god in his wrath 
O'er the lightning's path 

Came down 'gainst his mortal foes; 
At his behest 
A blighting pest 

Through the Grecian army goes. 

Oh, the fearful scourge 
The Greeks to purge 

Imposed by the Archer-God ! 
Oh, the awful blight 
As it met the sight, 

Where corses covered the sod ! 
At the break of day 
The heroes lay 

In the dust they late had trod. 

With clamorings louil 
A thickening crowd 

Round the monarch's dwelling press; 
At the door of the tent 
They cry, " Oh, consent. 

And Phoebus once more will bless!" 
His eyes flash fire 
With vengeance dire. 

Yet he yields to their sore distress. 



APPENDIX. 267 

Now they launch a ship 

And the oars they dip 
In the vast and barren sea; 

And on hoard, they bear 

An offering fair, 
Oh, Phoebus, bright for thee ! 

The maid they lead 

To the ocean steed, 
Once more unloosed and free ! 

And they take her back 

In the east-wind's track 
Where the billows are capped with foam, 

And the joyful priest 

Prepares a feast 
"Neath the temple's lofty dome. 

And grace he seeks 

For the contrite Greeks 
Who have brought his daughter home. 

Apollo hears 

With willing ears, 
And men the story tell 

That with radiant flight 

He sought the height 
Where the great immortals dwell; 

And from his lyre, 

'Mid the heavenly choir. 
The silvery music fell. 

In closing this book the author would say, that, while he is conscious of 
many shortcomings that a wider knowledge and experience would have 
prevented, he would fain hope he has succeeded in gathering and preserv- 
ing some incidents in the life and progress of the town which will be of 
interest to the reader. 

If the book shall give as much pleasure in the reading as it has given 
the author in the writing thereof, he will be more than satisfied. At any 
rate the summers and winters of his labor are over, and with the genial 
season that gives expression to Nature's pent-up forces, his labors find also 
their expression in a published book. 



I 



268 



APPENDIX. 



The following sonnet, as fitting to the season, is selected as its closing 
words: — 

SPRING. 

By E. Parsons. 

A QUEENLY presence walks the earth and sky, 

Unseen, unheard, yet with a stately tread 

That thrills the clod and wakes the slumbering dead. 

No warlike following hers, no battle-cry; 

Yet see the oppressor's host before her fly ! 

Behold Orion bows his haughty head, 

And all the stars a kindlier splendor shed. 

And storm-winds hide them in the zephyr's sigh. 

See troop around her path a radiant throng; 

Fair Epigaea, with angelic breath. 

Takes up the glad refrain, " There is no death ! " 

And rapturous voices catch the joyous song. 

The heavy silence breaks in music sweet 

Along all shores where tread her blessed feet. 




I 



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